Bangladesh, Aug. 21 -- Bangladesh is set to begin formal negotiations with the European Union in September on a proposed free-trade agreement (FTA), as the country moves to secure long-term market access ahead of its LDC graduation.

Advertisement A senior Commerce Ministry official says the ministry's FTA wing has already completed its preparatory work.

"The paperwork is done. We are now ready for the next steps," the official adds.

Formal talks are expected to begin in the second week of next month, although details as to whether the delegations will meet in Europe or in Bangladesh are still being finalised.

The ministry is prioritising the removal of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and improvements in trade facilitation, including the i...