EU Demands Level Playing Field in Bangladesh's Public Procurement Process

EU Ambassador Michael Miller has called for a level playing field in Bangladesh's public procurement process. Speaking to the media after an EU-Bangladesh meeting at the Ministry of Commerce, he emphasized that European companies should be able to compete with firms from other countries on equal commercial terms.

The comments came amidst the ongoing competition between US-based Boeing and European aircraft manufacturer Airbus over aircraft purchases by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Miller stated that public procurement decisions should be based on commercial merit, allowing economic operators from different countries to compete while ensuring the government gets the best value for taxpayers' money.

He specifically mentioned that Airbus has an incredibly competitive offer, which should be taken seriously, and expressed hope for swift negotiations between Airbus and Biman. The EU-Bangladesh meeting also discussed trade and investment relations, removal of non-tariff barriers, and the business environment for European companies operating in Bangladesh.