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In a press release issued by the British High Commission on Monday, it was noted that High Commissioner Cooke, accompanied by the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Rushanara Ali, visited Cupcake Exports, a soft toy manufacturing facility in Dhaka that exports to the UK.
Cooke remarked, “Through the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), companies like Cupcake Exports can export to the UK market duty-free, enabling UK consumers to access quality products at lower prices.”
During the visit, the High Commissioner and the Trade Envoy observed the toy production process and engaged with workers and management to discuss opportunities and challenges in accessing the UK market and reducing export risks.
The press release highlighted that new exporters often face policy and administrative barriers, as well as challenges in entering new markets. To address this, the UK is providing technical assistance to the Bangladesh government to streamline business processes and improve the export environment.
Cooke affirmed the UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting Bangladesh in boosting and diversifying its exports, as well as facilitating connections between Bangladeshi exporters and UK buyers.
The DCTS, launched in June 2023, is one of the world’s most generous trade preference schemes. It ensures duty-free access to the UK market for all Bangladeshi exports, except arms, until 2029. Under the Enhanced Preference tier, 98% of Bangladesh’s exports, including ready-made garments, will continue to enjoy duty-free access to the UK beyond 2029.
