Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the government is hopeful of a positive outcome from the third round of talks between a Bangladeshi delegation and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) aimed at reducing the increased tariffs on Bangladeshi exports to the US.
"We are well prepared and hopeful of a good conclusion," he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday.
The press secretary said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had a meeting with US Charge d'Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday.
He said the discussions covered a range of issues, including the US-Bangladesh tariff talks, counter-terrorism, election preparations, and the ongoing dialogues related to the Consensus Commission.
"A Bangladeshi delegation is set to leave for the United States on Monday night as the third round of tariff talks is scheduled to begin on Tuesday," he added.
The press secretary said a group of businessmen will accompany the government delegation, although they will not directly take part in the talks.
During the meeting with the US Charge d'Affaires, Chief Adviser Yunus made it clear that counter-terrorism is a top priority for his interim government.
"He [chief adviser] firmly stated that the government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, and that no form of extremism or terrorist activity will be tolerated under any circumstances. He conveyed this message in a strong and unequivocal tone," Alam said.
The third round of talks on the US-imposed tariffs is expected to be held on 29-30 July in Washington, DC, with hopes of reaching a positive consensus before the 1 August deadline.
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