Bangladesh seeks Dutch support to advance proposed EU free trade deal

Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma met with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at the Secretariat.

Bangladesh has sought the Netherlands’ support in advancing a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) and expanding trade benefits in the European market after the country graduates from the least developed country (LDC) category.

Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir made the request during a bilateral meeting with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce at the Secretariat here today, said a press release.

The two sides also discussed potential joint initiatives in agricultural technology, jute, fertiliser industry modernisation, renewable energy, port management, maritime transport and water management to strengthen economic ties and expand investment.

Muktadir described the Netherlands as a longstanding friend and important development partner of Bangladesh, saying the two countries have significant opportunities to build a stronger economic partnership through technology transfer, industrialisation, export diversification and sustainable investment.

He said combining Bangladesh’s production capacity and promising market with Dutch technological expertise and experience could benefit both countries.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining Bangladesh’s export competitiveness after LDC graduation, the minister said Europe was one of Bangladesh’s most important export markets.

He stressed the need for institutional and policy support to ensure long-term market access and expand bilateral trade, calling for progress in technical discussions on the proposed EU FTA and efforts to address non-tariff barriers.

Agriculture and food processing featured prominently in the discussions. Muktadir said Dutch expertise in advanced seed technology, research and modern agricultural management could open up new opportunities for Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.

He highlighted the scope for joint initiatives to improve the quality and productivity of potatoes and other vegetables, develop export-oriented agricultural production in line with international standards and explore new markets.

The minister also emphasised expanding specialised vegetable cultivation in promising regions, including Sylhet, enhancing farmers’ technical skills and developing modern supply chains for agricultural storage, transportation and marketing.

On the jute sector, Muktadir said growing global demand for environmentally friendly products was creating new market opportunities for Bangladesh’s jute and jute goods.

He said Dutch technological assistance could support the development of improved jute seeds, higher productivity, joint research facilities and diversified jute products.

Environment-friendly packaging and blended-fibre fabrics were among the areas offering opportunities to increase value addition in the jute industry, he added.

Dutch Minister Sjoerdsma expressed interest in expanding investment and cooperation in promising sectors of Bangladesh’s economy, highlighting the Netherlands’ experience in agricultural and industrial technology, food processing, maritime transport and water management.

The two ministers also discussed potential cooperation with Dutch technology company Stamicarbon to modernise Bangladesh’s existing fertiliser factories and increase their production capacity.

Investment, technology exchange and improved energy efficiency in renewable energy, particularly solar power, were also discussed.

In the port and maritime transport sectors, the discussions covered the development of Bangladesh’s port infrastructure, including the Laldia Terminal, modern logistics systems and potential Dutch investment and technological participation.

The two sides also explored opportunities to apply the expertise of Dutch research institute Deltares in river and canal dredging, flood control and integrated water management.

To facilitate greater Dutch investment, both sides exchanged views on intellectual property and patent protection, customs modernisation and improvements to the institutional framework for doing business.

They also discussed cooperation in strengthening capacity for international trade negotiations, training young people and women workers, and developing human resources.

Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan and Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel, among other members of the two delegations, attended the meeting. -BSS