International Trade Law
Course Overview

This course examines the legal framework governing international trade, with a particular focus on Bangladesh's position and interests in the global trading system. Students will study the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and their impact on Bangladesh's trade policies and practices. The course covers key principles of international trade law, including most-favored-nation treatment, national treatment, and tariff bindings. Participants will analyze Bangladesh's commitments under various WTO agreements, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the Agreement on Agriculture, and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The course also examines regional trade agreements relevant to Bangladesh, such as the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and bilateral trade agreements. Students will study trade remedies and dispute settlement mechanisms in international trade law, including Bangladesh's experience with trade disputes. The course will cover current issues in international trade law relevant to Bangladesh, such as trade in services, e-commerce, and the challenges and opportunities presented by global value chains. Special attention will be given to Bangladesh's status as a least developed country (LDC) and the special provisions and challenges this entails in international trade. The course will also address Bangladesh's transition from LDC status and its implications for trade preferences and obligations. Students will examine Bangladesh's export-oriented industries, particularly the ready-made garment sector, and the international trade laws and agreements that affect these industries. Practical exercises will include analyzing trade agreements and simulating trade negotiations relevant to Bangladesh's economic interests.