Bangladesh, Netherlands sign MoU on RMG, textile products

The governments of Bangladesh and the Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on circular economy cooperation to promote greener production and improve export competitiveness in the RMG and textile sectors.

The agreement was signed on Monday at the Ministry of Commerce in Dhaka during an event titled "MoU Signing on Cooperation in the Field of Circular Economy".

The cooperation will focus on more efficient use of resources, reducing waste, recycling, cleaner production and wider use of green technologies across the textile supply chain.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir signed on behalf of Bangladesh, while Dutch Minister for Climate and Green Growth Stientje van Veldhoven-van der Meer signed for the Netherlands. Both ministers joined the ceremony at the conference room of the commerce ministry at the Secretariat.

Muktadir said adopting sustainable production and circular practices had become essential for the global textile industry, particularly as Bangladesh's RMG and textile sectors are closely linked with international supply chains.

"This MoU is an important milestone in taking our partnership towards a greener, more resilient and future-oriented economy," he said.

He said a circular economy was not only about environmental protection, but was also linked to Bangladesh's long-term export competitiveness, efficient use of resources, sustainable investment and green employment.

The minister said the transition could not be achieved by the government or industry alone and would require cooperation among financial institutions, development partners, research organisations and consumers.

"The MoU gives importance to multi-stakeholder cooperation and knowledge sharing, which can help bring the structural changes needed in the textile sector," he said.

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Van Veldhoven also stressed the need for joint action, saying no country could complete the transition to a circular economy on its own.

"International cooperation, business partnerships and coordinated efforts across the entire supply chain are necessary," she said.

Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Faiyaz Murshid Kazi and Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel were present at the event.

The MoU is expected to expand cooperation on green technology, innovation and sustainable production in Bangladesh's textile and RMG sectors, while helping the industries respond to changing global market requirements.