"It will be settled by December this year," he told reporters at Zia International Airport before leaving for Paris to attend a WTO mini-ministerial meeting beginning from tomorrow.

The minister's observation came prior to his scheduled meeting with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert J Portman on the sidelines of the mini-ministerial meet.

Altaf's meeting with the USTR is aimed at forging common understanding among the WTO member states on different negotiating issues.

The bill titled "Trade Relief Assistance for Developing Economies (Trade)" was placed in the US Congress seeking duty-free market access of products from Bangladesh and 12 other LDCs to the US market.

The government as well as the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) are now busy pursuing the US senators and congressmen to mobilise their support for the bill, Altaf said.

Apparel industry insiders believe the bill, if passed, will be a breakthrough to boost Bangladesh exports to the USA in the quota-free trade regime offering competitive prices.

The commerce minister said the forthcoming D-8 summit scheduled for June or July in London will yield some positive results for countries such as Bangladesh. Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will send a special envoy to attend the meet, he added.