The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reaffirmed that Bangladesh will continue to receive substantial support and technical assistance as it prepares for its transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.

"Access to the WTO's technical assistance will continue for Bangladesh even after graduation," said WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang in an online interview with BSS.

He noted that Bangladesh currently benefits from a wide range of activities under the WTO's Technical Assistance and Training Plan, while the organisation also partners with other international bodies to strengthen trade capacity in developing economies.

On the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), Zhang said Bangladesh remains a major beneficiary of the programme, which helps LDCs become more active participants in global trade. The EIF is now entering its third phase, and Bangladesh will have five years to continue accessing EIF benefits after graduation. With EIF support, the country has bolstered its food processing capacity and developed strategies to diversify its garment sector to move up the value chain.

Bangladesh has also been a significant recipient of the WTO's Aid for Trade Initiative, which helps developing economies strengthen their trading capacity. Between 2006 and 2023, Bangladesh received US$23 billion, placing it among the top ten global recipients.

Domestically, Zhang highlighted Bangladesh's strong institutional infrastructure related to the WTO, including the WTO Reference Centre at the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI), which provides access to trade-related documents and information.

"Since Bangladesh has previously participated primarily as part of the LDC Group, it will subsequently need to adapt its approach. Following graduation, Bangladesh would be required to focus on building strategic coalitions with other WTO Members across all levels of development," he said while talking about Bangladesh's key challenge post-graduation.