Bangladesh today sought the Netherlands’ support for extending its graduation period from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category and advancing Bangladesh-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations amid mounting global economic challenges.<\/p>\n
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir made the request during a meeting with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.<\/p>\n
Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel also attended the meeting, according to a foreign ministry press release.<\/p>\n
Kobir highlighted the impact of recent global crises on Bangladesh’s economy and underscored the importance of international cooperation in ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition from LDC status.<\/p>\n
He sought Dutch backing for Bangladesh’s request to extend the LDC graduation period and support for making progress towards negotiations on a Bangladesh-EU FTA.<\/p>\n
The two sides also expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation through increased trade, investment and technological partnerships.<\/p>\n
They identified shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, textiles, semiconductors, water management and agricultural supply chains, including cold-chain development, as priority areas for collaboration.<\/p>\n
The Dutch minister highlighted the visit of a maritime trade mission and prospective visits focusing on textiles and water-related issues.<\/p>\n
He expressed interest in strengthening the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and the Netherlands over the next 50 years.<\/p>\n
Kobir also emphasised opportunities for cooperation in shipbuilding and semiconductors and sought continued Dutch support for Bangladesh’s apparel industry.<\/p>\n
Both sides noted that new governments had assumed office in their respective countries in February 2026, creating opportunities to deepen bilateral engagement.<\/p>\n
The meeting also reviewed longstanding cooperation in water management, with particular emphasis on technical collaboration in delta management, canal excavation and climate adaptation.
\nKobir said water management remained a priority for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, particularly in addressing the growing challenges of climate change.<\/p>\n
The two sides discussed the Rohingya crisis and stressed the importance of sustained international engagement towards a durable solution.<\/p>\n
The state minister also highlighted the Prime Minister’s aspiration for quality governance.<\/p>\n
They exchanged views on migration, United Nations reforms and strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums, including Bangladesh’s presidency of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
-BSS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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