UK Trade Envoy Baroness Winterton -Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 6, 2026 (BSS) - UK Trade Envoy Baroness Winterton arrived in 
Dhaka this week to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties, reaffirming 
London's commitment to long-term partnership and shared growth with 
Bangladesh.

Winterton is on her third visit to Bangladesh, which comes at a pivotal time 
following the formation of the country's newly elected government in 
February, said a statement issued by the British High Commission here today. 

The visit underscored the United Kingdom's intent to deepen cooperation in 
trade, economic development, higher education, aviation and defence, it 
added. 

During her stay, the envoy is scheduled to hold meetings with senior 
ministers and government and military officials to discuss priorities for 
mutually beneficial growth and reinforce the UK's role as a reliable economic 
partner.

She will also engage with business leaders and representatives of UK 
companies operating in Bangladesh to explore opportunities for expanding 
bilateral trade, investment and commercial cooperation.

As part of her programme, Baroness Winterton will visit Bangladeshi export-
oriented businesses benefiting from the UK's Developing Countries Trading 
Scheme (DCTS), one of the world's most generous trade preference frameworks.

The scheme provides duty-free market access for a wide range of products, 
simplifies rules of origin and supports export diversification beyond 
garments, contributing to long-term economic development and job creation.

Bangladesh is currently the largest beneficiary of duty-free access under the 
DCTS, supplying competitively priced goods to British consumers while 
sustaining employment at home.

"The UK and Bangladesh share a strong, historic partnership, and our 
countries continue to benefit from expanding trade and investment ties," 
Baroness Winterton said according to the statement. 

"I look forward to engaging with government leaders, businesses and 
entrepreneurs to identify new opportunities that support economic growth and 
prosperity for both nations," she added.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said Baroness Winterton's 
visit reflects the importance the UK places on strengthening its partnership 
with Bangladesh.

"Shared growth and prosperity are at the heart of the UK-Bangladesh 
relationship. This visit will further solidify our partnership as Bangladesh 
enters an exciting new chapter," she said.

The UK remains one of Bangladesh's largest export markets and a key 
development and investment partner, with both sides aiming to advance a more 
diversified, resilient and high-value economic relationship.