Seeking fair, predictable and transparent conditions for European companies, European Union (EU) Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Sunday said European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has an “incredibly competitive offer” and it should be taken “very seriously” by Bangladesh.

“Actually, to get the best value for your taxpayers, in our view, Airbus has an incredibly competitive offer. It should be taken very seriously, and we look forward to the very swift conclusion of negotiations between Airbus and Biman [Biman Bangladesh Airlines],” he said.

The EU envoy made the remarks when a journalist asked whether he meant fair competition between Airbus and Boeing in terms of a level playing field.

“What we request is a level playing field in all directions. So, if you have a public procurement decision taken, that is taken on the basis of commercial merit, and our economic operators are able to compete as best they can from any given country,” said Ambassador Miller.

The EU Ambassador, Ambassador of France Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, along with other EU ambassadors, attended a meeting with government ministers and senior officials to discuss non-tariff barriers (NTBs), regulatory issues and other challenges that limit the full potential of Bangladesh-EU trade and investment.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Prime Minister’s Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, and senior government officials presented the progress made by the government in addressing these challenges.

Ruling out any US pressure behind Bangladesh’s decision to purchase additional Boeing aircraft, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has recently said the move is driven by the country’s own aviation needs, including expanding the fleet, opening new routes, improving passenger services and strengthening Bangladesh’s position as an aviation hub in Asia.

US President Donald Trump conveyed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman his confidence in Boeing, saying, “Boeing will not let you down, and I will not forget.”

US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has recently said Bangladesh has committed billions of dollars to buy additional Boeing aircraft from the United States under a new deal between Dhaka and Washington.

“Bangladesh, being an important aviation gateway - aviation hub - in Asia, needs to service more routes. For that, we need a bigger fleet,” State Minister Kobir said.

In April, Bangladesh signed a deal with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to buy 14 planes for its national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the two sides announced - the airline’s biggest-ever order, in a deal valued at $3.7 billion.

“I just received your letter concerning the purchase of Boeing Aircraft, and very much appreciate your decision of purchase. Boeing will not let you down, and I will not forget,” Trump wrote in the letter to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

The EU envoy said removing existing non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and ensuring fair, transparent and non-discriminatory conditions can help deepen and intensify trade and economic relations between Bangladesh and the EU.

The envoy said the political commitment and efforts being made by the government, ministries and senior officials are exactly the kind of investment needed to reinforce the relationship.

“This is exactly the sort of investment that is going to be needed in order for us to reinforce the way we should work at a time when Bangladesh needs reliable partners,” he said.

The EU Ambassador said the European Union is a reliable partner for Bangladesh, particularly at a time when the international rules-based order is under “incredible pressure”.

“We believe in the rule of law. We believe in fair, transparent procedures. We believe in multilateralism,” he said, adding that these principles should benefit businesses, citizens and consumers.

Ambassador Miller acknowledged that Bangladesh is facing a number of challenges, including the need to ensure a smooth transition from LDC status.

He said the EU’s work with Bangladesh’s ministries, including his engagement with the commerce minister, is aimed at supporting the country’s institutional development and building a relationship that contributes to its future prosperity.

“All of the work that we are doing with your ministries is geared to ensuring the success of your country’s government, the successful development of your country’s institutions and a relationship with the European Union that will build your prosperity in future,” he said.

Ambassador Miller stressed the importance of transparency, a level playing field and non-discrimination, as well as addressing processes where individuals may abuse their power or position.

He said the Bangladesh government has requested negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) and a new investment protection agreement with the European Union.

“Negotiations come after we conduct, first of all, an exercise with our European Union member states, because we need a validation, a confirmation that the member states are behind a free trade agreement negotiation,” the Ambassador said.

Ambassadors representing European countries in Dhaka on Sunday stressed that fair, predictable and transparent conditions are essential for European companies seeking to invest and expand in Bangladesh.

A level playing field, they noted, would help strengthen investor confidence and encourage greater European investment in the country.

The envoys emphasised that addressing these barriers will improve Bangladesh’s overall business environment and create conditions for greater European trade and investment, particularly as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation.

“France welcomes the progress made and remains committed to supporting Bangladesh’s economic modernisation, strengthening EU-Bangladesh economic relations, and developing bilateral trade,” the French Ambassador said.

He said the discussions are part of broader efforts to attract more European companies and investment to Bangladesh and to further position the country on the global map as an attractive and competitive destination for doing business.