US-Bangladesh strong partnership to improve energy, health, edn systems: Reed Aeschliman

There is a strong partnership opportunity between the United States of America (USA) and Bangladesh to strengthen business relationships, particularly in energy, health, education, security, improving democratic institutions, providing humanitarian assistance, and protecting the environment.

The Mission Director for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Bangladesh Reed Aeschliman made the remarks at a programme on “The Transforming Bangladesh: USAID Partners in Progress” organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) in a city hotel on Thursday.

“Bangladesh has progressed remarkably. In our 50-year relationship, it has been fruitful. We should work together in the coming days as well. Now we need more partnerships, particularly in energy, health, education, security, and humanitarian assistance,” Aeschliman also said.

Replying to a question, he said that corruption is a big problem in Bangladesh. So, ICT solutions can be effective here. The paper system poses corruption.

“However, a constructive discussion should be done to ensure good governance and transparency in the country,” he also said. Aeschliman laid emphasis on regional energy cooperation, sustainable projects, and a hassle-free business climate for entrepreneurs.

Speaking there, AmCham president Syed Ershad Ahmed said Bangladesh has made a strong trajectory towards economic growth and prosperity over the past decade. The country keeps its position as a rising global force by emphasizing infrastructure development, human capital investment, and economic diversification.

“Despite challenges, by diversifying trade partners and implementing prudent policies, we have mitigated disruptions and maintained our economic growth,” he added.

He added that since Bangladesh's independence, the US Government, through USAID, has been working with the people of Bangladesh to expand food security and economic opportunity, improve health and education, promote democratic institutions, provide humanitarian assistance, and protect the environment.

“The US Government, through USAID, is also putting enormous effort into enhancing trade and business-enabling conditions in Bangladesh. Moreover, in 2023, USAID invested $35 million in a new climate-smart agriculture project in Bangladesh.

The US is the leading contributor of humanitarian assistance in response to the Rohingya crisis, having provided nearly $2.4 billion since the outbreak of violence in August 2017, of which a significant amount came through USAID, he explained.

“We believe USAID’s contributions will significantly elevate our collaborative endeavors, prevail over challenges, and drive us toward more remarkable progress,” Ershad also said.

AmCham Bangladesh Vice President Syed Mohammad Kamal moderated the function, while Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh John Fay, among others, was also present in the programme.