Dhaka seeks Dutch support for LDC graduation extension

Bangladesh sought the Netherlands' support on Tuesday 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.

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.

Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel also attended the meeting, according to a foreign ministry press release.

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.

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.

The two sides also expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation through increased trade, investment and technological partnerships.

They identified shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, textiles, semiconductors, water management and agricultural supply chains, including cold-chain development, as priority areas for collaboration.

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The Dutch minister highlighted the visit of a maritime trade mission and prospective visits focusing on textiles and water-related issues.

He expressed interest in strengthening the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and the Netherlands over the next 50 years.

Kobir also emphasised opportunities for cooperation in shipbuilding and semiconductors and sought continued Dutch support for Bangladesh's apparel industry.

Both sides noted that new governments had assumed office in their respective countries in February 2026, creating opportunities to deepen bilateral engagement.

The meeting also reviewed longstanding cooperation in water management, with particular emphasis on technical collaboration in delta management, canal excavation and climate adaptation.

Kobir said water management remained a priority for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, particularly in addressing the growing challenges of climate change.

The two sides discussed the Rohingya crisis and stressed the importance of sustained international engagement towards a durable solution.

The state minister also highlighted the Prime Minister's aspiration for quality governance.

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.