PM, Dutch minister discuss FTA, investment

Bangladesh and the Netherlands have discussed expanding trade and investment, exploring a free trade agreement (FTA), strengthening water resources management and agricultural cooperation, and finding a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

The issues came up on Tuesday when a delegation led by Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Netherlands’ Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat.

During the meeting, the Dutch minister said it was an opportune time to strengthen bilateral relations through increased investment and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including water resources management, transboundary river management, democracy and economic development.

Bangladesh welcomed the Dutch government’s interest in conducting a feasibility study for the Teesta project and providing technical assistance and expertise.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh and the Netherlands, as delta countries, had ample opportunities to work together to address common challenges and exchange experiences. He expressed particular interest in the Netherlands’ experience in land reclamation.

The Dutch minister stressed the importance of exchanging knowledge and expertise and expanding cooperation in water resources management, land reclamation, char development and climate-resilient river management.

The two sides also discussed Bangladesh’s trade relations with the European Union and the possibility of an FTA. The Netherlands expressed interest in free trade, while Bangladesh sought its support for the country’s initiatives in this regard.

The Dutch minister enquired about the government’s initiatives to address the ongoing energy crisis and praised its plans for renewable energy. He also expressed interest in expanding agricultural cooperation by drawing on the Netherlands’ experience and technological expertise.

The Rohingya crisis was another key issue. Bangladesh said the root cause of the crisis lay in Myanmar and that a sustainable solution must be found there. It stressed the need to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas.

The two sides discussed strengthening diplomatic efforts at bilateral and multilateral levels to achieve this goal.

They also discussed consolidating democracy and protecting human rights. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the BNP had been a victim of human rights violations in the past and that, drawing on this experience, his government was committed to protecting and strengthening human rights in the country.

At the end of the meeting, the Dutch minister invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit the Netherlands.