Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has urged the Netherlands to help Bangladesh advance its proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) and secure continued trade benefits after graduating from the least developed country (LDC) category.
During a meeting with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma at the Secretariat today (13 October), he also stressed joint initiatives in agriculture, jute, energy, port infrastructure, and water management, focusing on Dutch technology and investment.
Muktadir, who also oversees the industries and textiles and jute ministries, said the two countries could strengthen economic ties through technology transfer, industrialisation, export diversification, and sustainable investment.
He said combining Bangladesh's manufacturing capacity and market potential with Dutch expertise could benefit both countries.
Highlighting the need to maintain export competitiveness after LDC graduation, Muktadir said Europe remained one of Bangladesh's key export markets and stressed the need to secure long-term market access, strengthen policy support, advance technical discussions on the proposed EU FTA, and address non-tariff barriers.
Agriculture and jute cooperation
Muktadir said Dutch expertise in seed technology, research and modern farming could improve agricultural productivity and create export opportunities for Bangladesh.
The two countries could work together to improve the quality and productivity of potatoes and other vegetables, expand specialised vegetable cultivation in regions such as Sylhet, train farmers and develop modern supply chains.
On jute, Muktadir said rising global demand for environmentally friendly products offered new opportunities for Bangladesh.
Dutch technology could support improved jute seeds, higher productivity, joint research laboratories and diversified products, including eco-friendly packaging and blended-fibre fabrics.
Sjoerdsma expressed interest in expanding investment in agricultural technology, food processing, industrial modernisation, maritime transport and water management.
Fertiliser plants and renewable energy
The ministers discussed potential cooperation with Dutch technology company Stamicarbon to modernise Bangladesh's existing fertiliser factories and increase production capacity.
They also discussed investment and technology exchange in renewable energy, including solar power, to improve energy efficiency.
Ports and water management
The meeting covered port infrastructure development, including the Laldia Terminal, modern logistics and potential Dutch investment in port management and maritime transport.
The two sides also discussed using Dutch research institute Deltares's expertise in river and canal dredging, flood control and integrated water management.
They exchanged views on intellectual property and patent protection, customs modernisation and improvements to the business environment to attract Dutch investment.
Other areas of discussion included training young people and women workers, strengthening expertise in international trade negotiations and human resource development.
Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan and Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel, along with members of both delegations, attended the meeting.