U.S. Trade Capacity Building Case Study: Bangladesh

Bangladesh has developed significantly in the 50 years since its founding in 1971. It is now globally recognized as a rapidly growing economy with vast market potential. The United States, in the same period, has funded over $9.5 billion in support of Bangladesh’s development and has become Bangladesh’s largest trading partner.

To best support Bangladesh, the United States followed data-backed evidence and focused primarily on four areas: customs and business operations, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, cold chain, and value chain. The resulting TCB programs totaling $124 million since 1999 have expanded economic activity, increased export volumes, and raised living standards. TCB programs have laid the groundwork for Bangladesh’s future success in trade facilitation by establishing best practices and identifying key challenges to creating a more efficient trade environment consistent with international standards. However, these goals will likely not come to fruition without additional commitments from Bangladesh and donors to address identified priorities.

 For more information about U.S. Trade Capacity Building efforts in Bangladesh and elsewhere around the world, please visit the TCB website.