Humaiun urges Commonwealth trade preferences beyond LDC graduation

Acting Foreign Minister Humaiun Kobir has urged developed Commonwealth countries to continue preferential trade treatment for members graduating from least developed country (LDC) status to support a smooth socioeconomic transition.

He made the call while addressing the Executive Session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, yesterday (3 November), according to a Foreign Ministry press release issued this morning.

Leading the Bangladesh delegation, Kobir stressed the need to maintain preferential access to intra-Commonwealth trade for countries transitioning from LDC to developing country status.

He highlighted obstacles to uninterrupted supply chains and trade among Commonwealth nations and called for concerted efforts to tap the grouping’s vast trade potential.

The session, held at the American University of Antigua Conference Centre, brought together heads of government, foreign ministers and delegation leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member states.

Commonwealth leaders put forward proposals to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and private sector financing, alongside greater coherence in the international monetary, financial and trading systems.

They also proposed stronger climate finance partnerships and greater support for youth skills development and entrepreneurship.

Kobir was accorded full cabinet ministerial status to lead the Bangladesh delegation and discharge the responsibilities of the foreign minister during the 28th CHOGM, being held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1 to 4 November.