The United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE, has arrived in Dhaka for a series of high-level discussions aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two nations. This visit underscores the UK’s commitment to deepening its economic partnership with Bangladesh, a relationship that has seen remarkable growth in recent years.
Baroness Winterton’s appointment as the UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh was announced earlier this year, reflecting the UK’s strategic interest in fostering closer economic ties with Bangladesh. On her appointment, she expressed enthusiasm about her new role, stating, “I am delighted to be appointed as the UK Government’s Trade Envoy to Bangladesh. I know how important Bangladesh is for business, jobs, and consumers in both markets, with total trade volumes of over £3 billion and opportunities for growth.”
During her visit, Baroness Winterton is scheduled to meet with key government officials and business leaders to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of sectors, including finance, healthcare, technology, and education, aiming to identify mutual benefits and opportunities for collaboration.
The UK has consistently been a significant partner in Bangladesh’s economic development. In 2022, bilateral trade between the two countries reached a record-breaking $6.4 billion, with the UK emerging as the third-largest export destination for Bangladesh. Additionally, the UK was the top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh, contributing $561 million in the same year.
The visit also aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Earlier this year, the UK Minister for International Trade, Nigel Huddleston, visited Dhaka and emphasized the UK’s commitment to working with Bangladesh to create a trade and investment relationship that fosters job creation and economic growth.
As Bangladesh prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, the UK has expressed its support for Bangladesh’s smooth transition and continued economic growth. The two countries have agreed to consider signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation to institutionalize and promote business, trade, and investment.
Baroness Winterton’s visit is expected to further solidify the economic partnership between the UK and Bangladesh, paving the way for increased collaboration and mutual prosperity in the years to come.