Bangladesh seeks Dutch backing for EU trade deal

Bangladesh sought support from the Netherlands to advance a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) and ensure continued preferential access to European markets following its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
The request was made by Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir during a bilateral meeting with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma at the Secretariat on Tuesday, according to a press release from the commerce ministry.
Describing the Netherlands as a long-standing friend and key partner, Muktadir highlighted major opportunities to deepen economic ties through technology transfer, industrialisation, export diversification, and sustainable investment.
The discussions also covered potential collaboration in agricultural technology, jute, fertiliser production, renewable energy, port management, maritime transport, and water management.
According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data, bilateral trade between the two nations reached $2.13 billion in FY24, heavily weighted by $1.93 billion in Bangladeshi exports.
Muktadir said Bangladesh’s production capacity and growing market, combined with Dutch technological expertise, could benefit both countries.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining export competitiveness after LDC graduation, the minister said Europe remained one of Bangladesh’s most important export markets.
He stressed the need for policy and institutional support to secure long-term market access, advance technical discussions on the proposed EU FTA and address non-tariff barriers.
Agriculture and food processing featured prominently in the discussions, with Muktadir saying Dutch expertise in advanced seed technology, agricultural research and modern farming could help improve Bangladesh’s agricultural productivity.
He highlighted opportunities for joint initiatives to improve the quality and production of potatoes and other vegetables, develop export-oriented agriculture that meets international standards and explore new markets.
The minister also called for expanding specialised vegetable cultivation in promising regions – including Sylhet – improving farmers’ technical skills and developing modern systems for agricultural storage, transportation and marketing.
Turning to the jute sector, Muktadir said growing global demand for environmentally friendly products was creating new opportunities for Bangladesh’s jute industry.
He said Dutch technological support could help develop improved jute seeds, increase productivity, establish joint research facilities and diversify jute products. Environment-friendly packaging and blended-fibre fabrics could also help increase value addition in the sector, he added.
Dutch Minister Sjoerdsma expressed interest in expanding investment and cooperation in Bangladesh’s promising sectors, highlighting the Netherlands’ expertise in agricultural technology, food processing, maritime transport and water management.
The two ministers discussed possible cooperation with Dutch technology company Stamicarbon to modernise Bangladesh’s existing fertiliser factories and increase production capacity.
They also explored opportunities for investment, technology transfer and improved energy efficiency in renewable energy, particularly solar power.
In the port and maritime transport sectors, discussions focused on developing Bangladesh’s port infrastructure, including the Laldia Terminal, improving logistics systems and attracting Dutch investment and technological support.
The two sides also discussed using the expertise of Dutch research institute Deltares in river and canal dredging, flood control and integrated water management.
To encourage Dutch investment, both sides exchanged views on intellectual property and patent protection, customs modernisation and improving the business environment.
They also discussed strengthening Bangladesh’s capacity for international trade negotiations, training young people and women workers, and developing skilled human resources.
Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan and Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel, along with other members of the two delegations, attended the meeting.