Bangladesh calls for German investment and tech co-op in key industrial sectors

Bangladesh has sought German investment and technology cooperation in promising industrial sectors, including leather and leather goods, shipbuilding and ship recycling, and light engineering.

The government believes German expertise, technology and investment can help transform these sectors into export-oriented, environmentally friendly and globally competitive industries.

Commerce, Jute and Industry Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir made the call during a meeting with German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz at the Ministry of Industries in Motijheel on Monday.

The minister said Bangladesh wants to deepen economic ties with Germany beyond simply increasing trade volumes. There is scope to diversify products, increase value addition, improve quality and promote technology transfer, he said.

Referring to the success of the ready-made garment sector, he said similar achievements could be made in leather, shipbuilding, light engineering and other sectors by ensuring international standards, compliance, modern technology and skilled manpower.

On the leather industry, Mukaddir stressed the need for environmental compliance, including reducing water use, increasing clean energy use and adopting modern green technologies.