EuroCham strengthens business ties with Bangladesh

Mr. Charles Whiteley, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the European Union (EU) and Head of Delegation, said today that the European Chamber of Commerce of Bangladesh ( said it was time to move EuroCham forward. .

“GSP Plus is not an easy ticket,” he said at a meeting at his residence to mark EuroCham’s “soft launch” to strengthen business ties between Bangladesh and the EU.

The EU’s Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) gives developing countries special incentives to pursue sustainable development and good governance.

Eligible countries must implement international treaties on human rights, labor rights, environment and good governance.

GSP Plus membership has some very strict requirements and Bangladesh has already ratified 32 treaties required for GSP Plus membership.

Bangladesh’s graduating from LDC status in 2026 also means graduating from the current All But Arms (EBA) unilateral trade preferences granted to Bangladesh by the EU, Bangladesh’s largest export destination. There is a three-year transition period.

Ambassador Whiteley said:

With Bangladesh being one of the fastest growing economies in the world and projected to become one of the top 30 largest economies by 2036, the EU has great potential.

“It (EuroCham) should be business-driven and business interests should be reflected in it,” the EU ambassador said, adding that the Chamber of Commerce should support European business interests and trade and investment. Emphasized lobbying for the removal of barriers.

The EU envoy said EuroCham is not here to compete with existing chambers of commerce, but to complement existing bilateral chambers of commerce. “This is an idea that will help address the problem and build links between Bangladeshi and European businesses.”

Why EuroCham now?

The EU said there is a well-established relationship with business possibilities. The EU is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and European companies are keenly interested in exploring investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

According to EU embassies, there are many EuroChams around the world with a proven track record of supporting EU businesses.

EuroCham will help companies navigate European and Bangladeshi legislation, including in rapidly evolving areas such as due diligence and the green economy, the EU embassy said.

Facilitate the transition to GSP+ from a business perspective, bring critical thinking and analysis to key business issues, and stimulate interest in existing and potential business sectors.

The soft launch event was attended by government officials, business leaders and Brend Spanier, EU Deputy Head of Mission.

Eligible countries must implement international treaties on human rights, labor rights, environment and good governance.

GSP Plus membership has some very strict requirements and Bangladesh has already ratified 32 treaties required for GSP Plus membership.

Bangladesh’s graduating from LDC status in 2026 also means graduating from the current All But Arms (EBA) unilateral trade preferences granted to Bangladesh by the EU, Bangladesh’s largest export destination. There is a three-year transition period.

Ambassador Whiteley said:

With Bangladesh being one of the fastest growing economies in the world and projected to become one of the top 30 largest economies by 2036, the EU has great potential.

“It (Eurochum) should be business-driven and business interests should be reflected in it,” the EU ambassador said, adding that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry should support European business interests and trade and investment. Emphasized lobbying for the removal of barriers.

The EU envoy said EuroCham is not here to compete with existing chambers of commerce, but to complement existing bilateral chambers of commerce. “This is an idea that will help address the problem and build links between Bangladeshi and European businesses.

Why EuroCham Now?

The EU said there is a well-established relationship with business possibilities. The EU is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and European companies are keenly interested in exploring investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

According to the EU Embassy, ​​there are many EuroChams around the world that have a proven track record of supporting EU businesses.

EuroCham will help companies navigate European and Bangladeshi legislation, including in rapidly evolving areas such as due diligence and the green economy, the EU embassy said.

It facilitates the transition to GSP+ from a business perspective, brings critical thinking and analysis to business-critical issues, and stimulates interest in existing and potential business sectors.

The soft launch event was attended by government officials, business leaders and EU Deputy Representative Dr. Brend Spanier.