Bangladesh-Singapore to finalize FTA by 2026

Bangladesh’s economy is set to grow by just 3.9% in the 2024–25 fiscal year, according to the latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO) released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on April 9. This is a significant downward revision from ADB’s earlier projection of 5.1% in September 2024 and a steep decline from the 6.6% growth forecast made in April 2024.

India stands to gain from the recent tariff hike announced by the United States, particularly as it offers a competitive edge over other Asian nations affected more severely by the changes, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 officially began today (7 April) in Dhaka, aiming to spotlight the country’s evolving investment climate and attract global investors.

Bangladesh will appeal for a review of the recently-announced reciprocal tariff by the United States to tackle the heated issue sweeping the world.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) is preparing to host a high-profile investment summit in April aimed at accelerating foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country.

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, embarked on a trip to the United States on Monday to engage in trade discussions, according to two government officials. His visit comes just weeks ahead of the planned imposition of reciprocal tariffs by US President Donald Trump.

For the first time since their separation in 1971, Bangladesh and Pakistan have restarted direct trade, marking a significant shift in their economic relations. According to media reports, the first officially approved shipment recently set sail from Port Qasim.

On the southwest coast of Bangladesh, laborers equipped with gas torches, laser cutters, and winches meticulously dismantle massive, decommissioned ships that have been brought ashore on the sandy coastline.

The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has announced the cancellation of several US-funded international projects, including initiatives aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s political landscape and boosting voter turnout in India.

President Donald Trump announced expansive tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China on Saturday. The decision, enacted through three executive orders, risks inflaming global trade tensions and threatening economic stability, with analysts warning of potential impacts on inflation and international supply chains.

At the recent World Economic Forum annual summit in Davos, Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh`s chief adviser, extended an invitation to global investors to take advantage of the country`s improved business and investment climate.

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to significantly increase its investments and trade with the United States, aiming for a total of $600 billion or more over the next four years.

The World Bank has pledged to provide 20 billion US dollar to Pakistan under the 10-year country partnership framework (CPF) to support inclusive and sustainable development within the country, an official statement said.

The apex trade bodies of Bangladesh and Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday to form a joint business council to strengthen trade between the two countries.

Chinese and Indian refiners will source more oil from the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, boosting prices and freight costs, as new United States sanctions on Russian producers and ships curb supplies to Moscow’s top customers, traders and analysts said.

European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice President Nicola Beer has expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s current investment climate, describing it as stable and conducive to European investments.