Germany has expressed strong interest in expanding energy cooperation with Bangladesh, focusing on energy diversification, renewable energy development, infrastructure modernisation and long-term sustainable growth.
The emphasis on Bangladesh energy cooperation was reiterated on Wednesday by Frank Hartmann, Director General for Asia and the Pacific at the German Federal Foreign Office, during a meeting with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir in Dhaka, according to a press release.
Hartmann praised Bangladesh’s ongoing economic reforms and said its push to diversify energy sources, expand renewable capacity and upgrade infrastructure would support long-term stability and growth. He noted that both the German government and private sector are keen to support Bangladesh’s development agenda, particularly in energy transition, green technology and infrastructure investment.
Energy transition is becoming a central policy focus for Bangladesh as the country works to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and manage pressure from global oil and gas price volatility. Rising international energy costs in recent years have highlighted the importance of diversifying supply sources and expanding domestic renewable generation to improve energy security.
The German official also pointed to broader opportunities for cooperation between Bangladesh and the European Union, particularly in trade and industrial development linked to clean energy technologies and infrastructure financing.
Discussions also covered post-LDC trade arrangements, including continued market access after Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country category through GSP Plus facilities and the possibility of a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA). These frameworks are expected to play a role in shaping investment flows into Bangladesh’s energy and industrial sectors.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir welcomed deeper German engagement and said Bangladesh is implementing reforms to improve the investment climate by simplifying business procedures, strengthening infrastructure and enhancing energy security. He said the country is prioritising renewable energy expansion and is moving forward with plans to develop 10,000 megawatts of solar power capacity, which could significantly reduce pressure on imported fuels and stabilise long-term electricity supply.
The expansion of solar capacity is seen as a key step in reducing dependency on volatile global LNG and oil markets, which have placed pressure on power subsidies and import bills in recent years. Energy analysts say such diversification could improve resilience in the power sector while attracting foreign investment in clean technology.
Both sides expressed optimism about deepening cooperation in trade, investment, industrialisation, green technology and sustainable development.
German Ambassador to Bangladesh Rüdiger Lotz and senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce were also present at the meeting.
