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Bangladesh seeks Dutch support to advance proposed EU free trade deal
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 13 Oct 2026, 02:40 PM
Bangladesh seeks Dutch support to advance proposed EU free trade deal. Photo: Courtesy
Bangladesh has sought the Netherlands’ support to advance a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) and expand the country’s trade benefits in European markets after its graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category, Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said on Tuesday.
He made the request during a bilateral meeting with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma at the Ministry of Commerce conference room at the Secretariat on 13 October.
The two ministers also discussed potential joint initiatives in agricultural technology, the jute industry, fertiliser plant modernisation, renewable energy, port management and water management.
Muktadir described the Netherlands as a longstanding friend and important development partner of Bangladesh, saying the two countries had an opportunity to build a stronger economic partnership through technology transfer, industrialisation, export diversification and sustainable investment.
He said combining Bangladesh’s manufacturing capacity and market potential with Dutch technological expertise and experience could benefit both countries.
Highlighting the need to maintain Bangladesh’s export competitiveness after LDC graduation, the minister said Europe was one of the country’s most important export markets.
He stressed the need to strengthen institutional and policy support to secure long-term access to the European market and expand trade. Advancing technical discussions on the proposed EU FTA and removing non-tariff barriers were also important, he said.
Agriculture and food processing featured prominently in the discussions. Muktadir said Dutch expertise in advanced seed technology, research and modern agricultural management could create new opportunities for Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.
He identified scope for joint initiatives to improve the quality and productivity of potatoes and other vegetables, produce exportable agricultural goods that meet international standards and develop new markets.
He also highlighted the potential to expand specialised vegetable cultivation in promising regions, including Sylhet, improve farmers’ technical skills and develop modern supply chains for storing, transporting and marketing agricultural products.
On the jute industry, Muktadir said growing global demand for environmentally friendly products was creating new market opportunities for Bangladesh’s jute and jute-based goods.
Dutch technical assistance could support the development of improved jute seeds, higher productivity, joint research laboratories and diversified jute products, he said. Environmentally friendly packaging and blended-fibre fabrics were among the areas offering opportunities to add value to the industry.
Sjoerdsma expressed interest in expanding investment and cooperation in sectors with potential for stronger economic ties between the two countries.
He highlighted opportunities to apply Dutch expertise in agricultural technology, food processing, industrial modernisation, maritime transport and water management.
The ministers also discussed possible cooperation with Dutch technology company Stamicarbon to modernise Bangladesh’s existing fertiliser plants and increase their production capacity.
Investment, technology exchange and improvements in energy efficiency in the renewable energy sector, including solar power, were also discussed.
In port management and maritime transport, the discussions covered the development of Bangladesh’s port infrastructure, including the Laldiya terminal, modern logistics systems and potential Dutch investment and technological participation.
The two sides also explored the use of expertise from Dutch research institute Deltares in river and canal dredging, flood control and integrated water management.
They exchanged views on strengthening intellectual property and patent protection, modernising customs procedures and improving the institutional framework for doing business to encourage greater Dutch investment.
Cooperation in international trade negotiation skills, training for young people and women workers, and human resource development also featured in the meeting.
Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan and Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel attended the meeting, along with members of the two countries’ delegations.