For your information, the European Union and Bangladesh have taken a significant step toward strengthening their relationship through the initialling of a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). This agreement establishes a broad framework for enhanced cooperation across areas such as trade and investment, energy, transport, agriculture, and sustainable development, as well as political dialogue and people-to-people exchanges.

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Once formally adopted, the PCA will replace the existing 2001 Cooperation Agreement and further deepen ties between the EU and Bangladesh. Notably, Bangladesh is the first South Asian country to conclude this type of modern agreement with the EU. The EU remains Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding €22 billion, supported by the “Everything but Arms” (EBA) arrangement.

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In parallel, FESI recently held a meeting with the Bangladesh trade representative and is scheduled to meet with the Bangladesh Embassy in May to further discuss this development and its potential implications.

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We will continue to keep you informed of any relevant updates.

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