Speeches and Remarks

Ambassador Moriarty spoke at the opening of the first Ford dealership in Bangladesh on July 13.  The Ambassador stated that U.S.-Bangladesh economic relations are strong.  “I hope this Ford dealership is the first of many new ventures to offer high-quality American products to Bangladesh,” added. He emphasized that the U.S. Embassy is eager to work with any trader or investor interested in U.S. goods and services.

Remarks at FORD DEALERSHIP OPENING by Ambassador James F. Moriarty

July 13, 2009

Honorable Minister of Commerce; Mr. Hossain Khaled of Ford Bangladesh; ladies and gentlemen.  Good evening.  Thank you for inviting me to this opening of the first Ford dealership in Bangladesh.  This is timely proof that U.S.-Bangladesh economic relations are strong.

Just over 100 years ago, an American entrepreneur named Henry Ford revolutionized the burgeoning car industry.  He saw how automobiles could transform transportation.  Ford created the Model T, known affectionately as the “Tin Lizzie,” a car the average American could afford. 

With the Model T, Henry Ford not only made cars more affordable, he revolutionized the world of industrial production.  By refining the concept of the factory assembly line, Ford demonstrated how to produce goods -- from automobiles to apparel -- in mass quantities.  Factories around the world today, including in Bangladesh, use the manufacturing principles Ford developed.

Henry Ford and his automobiles also epitomize key American values, including hard work, resilience and innovation.  These values resonate in Bangladesh, with its hard-working and resilient people who are open to innovative ideas.  Over the course of its history, the Ford Motor Company has evolved with the changing times, has contributed to the communities it serves, and has provided cars to hard-working people around the globe.

It is therefore fitting that Ford should come to Bangladesh.  I am proud that Bangladesh is welcoming high-quality, durable Ford vehicles to its market.  The United States has many such products and services to offer Bangladesh.  I hope this Ford dealership is the first of many new ventures to offer high-quality American products to Bangladesh.  Last year, Bangladesh exported more than $3 billion in goods to the United States and imported about $400 million in goods from the United States.  I would argue there are many other high-quality products the United States could offer Bangladesh that would help reduce this trade imbalance.

The United States produces consumer goods like cars, but we also offer goods and services that can help Bangladesh develop its own economy.  We have capital equipment that Bangladeshi investors can use to build factories to make goods for export.  We have service providers -- like logistics, freight forwarding and shipping firms -- that can help Bangladeshi goods get to international markets quickly, efficiently and economically.

The United States and Bangladesh have a strong trading relationship, but it could be even stronger.  I urge the Government of Bangladesh to maintain a free and open market that benefits both consumers and producers.  The U.S. Embassy here in Dhaka stands ready to work with any trader or investor interested in U.S. goods and services.

The introduction of Ford vehicles to Bangladesh is yet another milestone in the ever-evolving economic ties between our two nations.  I look forward to working with Bangladesh to reach new milestones in the relationship between our countries.  I wish Ford Bangladesh much success in its endeavors, and I thank you for joining me here tonight.