Bangladesh seeks Dutch support for FTA with EU

Bangladesh has sought the Netherlands’ cooperation in advancing a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) and expanding trade facilities in the European market after the country’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir sought support during a bilateral meeting with visiting Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma at his office on Tuesday.

He also stressed the need to take economic relations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands to new heights through Dutch technology and investment in agriculture, the jute industry, energy, ports and water management in Bangladesh.

The Dutch side showed a positive approach towards exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in agricultural and industrial technologies, renewable energy, port infrastructure and water management, according to a PID handout.

Muktadir, also the industries, textiles and jute minister, described the Netherlands as a longstanding friend of Bangladesh and an important development partner.

There is scope for transforming bilateral relations beyond conventional trade into a stronger economic partnership through technology transfer, industrialisation, export diversification and sustainable investment, he said.

The commerce minister said both countries could benefit from combining Bangladesh’s production capacity and promising market with the Netherlands’ technological excellence and experience.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining Bangladesh’s export competitiveness after it graduates from the LDC category, he said Europe is one of Bangladesh’s most important export markets.

Muktadir stressed the need to strengthen institutional and policy support to ensure long-term market access and expand trade with Europe.

He also underscored the importance of advancing technical discussions on the proposed FTA with the EU and removing non-tariff barriers. Cooperation in agriculture and food processing received particular attention during the meeting.

The commerce minister said the Netherlands’ advanced seed technology, research and experience in modern agricultural management could create new opportunities for Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.

He said the two countries could undertake joint initiatives to improve the quality and productivity of potatoes and other vegetables, produce exportable agricultural goods in compliance with international standards and explore new markets.

On cooperation in the jute industry, Muktadir said growing global demand for environment-friendly products is creating new market opportunities for Bangladesh’s jute and jute-based goods.

Dutch technological assistance could play an important role in developing improved jute seeds, increasing productivity, establishing joint research laboratories and producing diversified jute products, he said.�"UNB