Commerce and Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Monday called for strengthening bilateral trade and technical cooperation with the Netherlands through a strategic shift from traditional development assistance toward Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
The proposal was made during a courtesy meeting with the Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel at the Ministry of Industries in Dhaka, where both leaders discussed enhancing economic ties through knowledge-based collaboration in key industrial sectors.
The meeting highlighted a fundamental transition in the bilateral relationship, moving away from conventional aid models to foster partnership-based cooperation.
During the meeting, the two sides identified several priority areas for strategic investment and development, including agricultural productivity enhancement, water management, maritime industry development and sustainable value chain establishment.
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir noted that while Bangladesh has achieved significant growth in agricultural production, the sector continues to face challenges regarding preservation, processing, and ensuring fair market prices for farmers.
To address these issues, the minister sought Dutch technical cooperation and investment in several specific areas, including cold chain logistics and modern storage systems, processing and export capacity building and ensuring fair prices for produce.
Minister Muktadair also emphasised the importance of river-based land management.
Over the riverine geography of Bangladesh, he stated that Dutch expertise in land reclamation and management could be highly effective in optimising Bangladesh’s land resources.
Ambassador Joris van Bommel affirmed that the Netherlands is eager to move toward partnership-based investment and knowledge-based cooperation.
He identified potential for joint ventures in port modernisation, maritime security, and Research and Development (R&D).
The ambassador conveyed that Dutch companies are interested in expanding their R&D activities in Bangladesh.
However, he emphasised that ensuring a strong intellectual property (IP) protection framework and maintaining an investment-friendly environment are essential prerequisites for such expansion and long-term commitment.
The two officials also discussed Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
During the meeting, the Bangladesh side expressed the need for a three-year extension for pre-graduation preparation to ensure the transition is sustainable.
This extension was justified as necessary for maintaining economic stability, managing foreign debt effectively and implementing essential structural reforms.
Both parties committed to addressing logistical and legal hurdles facing investors, specifically focusing on market access, intellectual property rights, and supply chain efficiency.
The discussions also prioritised the application of modern technology, innovation, and climate-resilient solutions to ensure sustainable agricultural development.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism that technological innovation and a focus on sustainable development will elevate bilateral economic ties to new heights.
Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman, among others, was also present at that time.
