Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has sought support from the Netherlands to advance a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU).
He also requested Dutch assistance to help Bangladesh maintain its commercial privileges in European markets after it graduates from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Speaking at a bilateral meeting on Tuesday at the conference room of Commerce Ministry at Secretariat, Muktadir called for elevating economic ties by utilizing Dutch technology and investment in agriculture, the jute industry, energy, ports, and water management.
The meeting was attended by Netherlands Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, who expressed a positive stance regarding expanding co-operation in agricultural and industrial technology, renewable energy, port infrastructure, and water management.
Describing the Netherlands as a long-standing friend and key development partner, Muktadir noted that bilateral relations can grow beyond traditional trade into a stronger economic partnership through technology transfer, industrialisation, export diversification, and sustainable investment.
He added that both nations would benefit by combining Bangladesh’s manufacturing capacity and promising market with Dutch technological excellence and expertise.
Highlighting the need to preserve Bangladesh’s export competitiveness following its transition from LDC status, Muktadir pointed out that Europe remains one of Bangladesh’s most crucial export markets.
He stressed securing long-term market access and strengthening institutional and policy co-operation, urging progress in technical talks on the EU FTA and the removal of non-tariff barriers.
Co-operation in agriculture and food processing featured prominently during the discussions. Muktadir said the Netherlands’ advanced seed technology, research, and modern farming management could unlock new prospects for Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.
He highlighted scope for joint ventures to improve the quality and yield of potatoes and other vegetables, produce exportable agricultural goods meeting international standards, and open new export markets.
He also outlined the need to expand specialised vegetable cultivation in high-potential regions such as Sylhet, build farmers’ technical skills, and establish modern supply chain systems for storing, transporting, and marketing produce.
On the jute sector, Muktadir noted that rising global demand for eco-friendly products is creating new markets for Bangladeshi jute goods.
He noted that Dutch technological co-operation could help develop high-yield jute seeds, raise productivity, set up joint laboratories, and manufacture value-added items such as eco-friendly packaging and blended fabrics.
For his part, Dutch Minister Sjoerdsma expressed strong interest in investing in potential sectors to broaden existing economic ties. He emphasised leveraging Dutch expertise in agritech, food processing, industrial modernisation, maritime transport, and water management.
The two ministers also discussed working with Dutch technology firm Stamicarbon to modernise Bangladesh’s existing fertilizer factories and increase their production capacity.
The discussions touched upon investments in renewable energy, including solar power, technology exchange, and boosting energy capacity.
Regarding port management and maritime transport, discussions centered on upgrading Bangladesh’s port infrastructure, including the Laldia Terminal, setting up modern logistics systems, and potential investment and technological participation by Dutch entities.
The meeting also addressed utilizing the expertise of Dutch research institute Deltares for river and canal dredging, flood control, and integrated water management.
To facilitate Dutch investment, both sides exchanged views on intellectual property and patent protection, modernising customs processes, and improving institutional frameworks for doing business.
Potential co-operation in building capacity for international trade negotiations, training young and female workers, and human resource development was also discussed.
The meeting was attended by Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel, and delegation members from both countries.
