EPB, British High Commission discuss maximizing UK DCTS benefits for Bangladeshi exporters
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), in collaboration with the British High Commission (BHC) today held a roundtable discussion on the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), focusing on enhancing the utilization of trade preferences by Bangladeshi exporters and preparing businesses for the country's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
The discussion, held at the EPB Conference Room, brought together representatives from leading export associations, chambers, and trade bodies to explore strategies for increasing awareness and use of the DCTS, addressing market access challenges, and expanding export opportunities in the UK market, said a press release.
The event was inaugurated by Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive (Additional Secretary) of the EPB, while James Goldman, Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission in Dhaka, delivered opening remarks on behalf of the UK Government.
A keynote presentation was delivered by Ellie Parker, Regional Trade for Development Advisor for South Asia, Central Asia and the South Caucasus at the British High Commission.
She outlined the implications of Bangladesh’s upcoming LDC graduation, recent enhancements to the DCTS, opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters, and possible collaborative initiatives to improve awareness and utilization of the scheme.
Participants discussed opportunities and challenges arising from Bangladesh’s transition from LDC status, barriers to accessing the UK market, and lessons from the ready-made garment sector that could help diversify exports into other promising sectors.
The meeting emphasized the importance of ensuring that Bangladeshi exporters fully benefit from the preferential market access available under the DCTS.
To support this objective, the EPB and the British High Commission agreed to undertake a series of awareness and capacity-building initiatives in the coming months.
Addressing the gathering, Hasan Arif announced that the EPB would publish a comprehensive DCTS booklet containing practical guidance on eligibility criteria, rules of origin, documentation requirements, and preference utilization procedures.
He also said a series of sensitization workshops would be organized in Dhaka and Chattogram in collaboration with the British High Commission, sector associations, and chambers to strengthen exporters’ understanding of the scheme and improve utilization rates.
In addition, both organizations will carry out wider information dissemination activities through business associations and digital platforms to reach exporters across the country.
The roundtable was attended among others by leaders and representatives of several trade and industry bodies, including the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA), Banglacraft, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Footwear, Leather Goods and Accessories Exporters Association (FLAXA), Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association, Bangladesh Chamber of Industry (BCI), Bangladesh Agro-Processors Association (BAPA), Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA), and Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI).
Participants welcomed the initiative and underscored the need for continued collaboration among the Government of Bangladesh, the British High Commission, and the private sector to maximize the benefits of the DCTS, diversify exports, and strengthen Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the UK market after LDC graduation.
