Bangladesh Calls for Continued Preferential Trade Benefits for Countries Graduating from LDC Status within the Commonwealth

Acting Foreign Minister Seeks Support from Developed Countries for a Smooth Economic Transition Following LDC Graduation

Bangladesh’s Acting Foreign Minister, Humaiun Kobir, has called upon developed Commonwealth countries to continue providing existing preferential trade benefits to countries graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status to developing country status in intra-Commonwealth trade.

He made the call while addressing the Executive Session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), held on 3 November in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

The session, held at the Antigua American University Conference Centre, was attended by Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegations from all 56 Commonwealth member states.

Leading the Bangladesh delegation, the Acting Foreign Minister emphasized that developed Commonwealth countries should maintain preferential trade arrangements to ensure a smooth and sustainable socioeconomic transition for countries graduating from LDC status.

He also drew attention to existing barriers affecting uninterrupted supply chains and trade operations among Commonwealth countries. At the same time, he called for coordinated and effective initiatives by member states to harness the vast potential of intra-Commonwealth trade.

During the session, Commonwealth leaders put forward several proposals aimed at deepening cooperation among member states in various areas. These included expanding intra-Commonwealth trade, increasing investment and private-sector financing, strengthening coordination in the international monetary and financial systems as well as the global trading system, enhancing partnerships in climate finance, and promoting youth skills development and entrepreneurship.

It may be noted that the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is being held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1 to 4 November 2026.

Humaiun Kobir has been accorded the rank of a full Cabinet Minister to lead the Bangladesh delegation at the summit and discharge the responsibilities of the Foreign Minister.