Bangladesh and Netherlands held talks to promote economic cooperation between the two countries, as Prime Minister's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah called on Dutch Prime Minister's Foreign and Security Adviser Ambassador Geoffrey Van Leeuwen.

Leeuwen, during the meeting held yesterday (Friday), mentioned the Dutch Government's intention to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh beyond water sector.

Bangladesh Embassy to the Netherlands issued a press release today in this connection.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands M Riaz Hamidullah was present at the meeting. 

The Principal Secretary highlighted Bangladesh's journey in building a pluralist and liberal society, advancing women and commitment to strengthening the function of democratic institutions in Bangladesh. 

He also sought Dutch support for sustainable return of the Rohingyas and political solution to the issue in Myanmar. 

Leeuwen lauded Bangladesh's continued journey in development under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and reiterated the Dutch Prime Minister's invitation to visit the Netherlands. 

The Principal Secretary proposed instituting a Public-Private Dialogue mechanism with the Netherlands which was welcomed by the Dutch side.

The Principal Secretary is leading a high-level Bangladesh delegation joined by Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan, former MCCI President Barrister Nihad Kabir and the Secretary-General Farooq Ahmed.

The delegation held several day-long meetings at the Dutch Foreign Ministry where the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including extension of EU GSP facilities towards Bangladesh apparel sector beyond graduation as an LDC, collaboration on implementation of transformative projects under Bangladesh Delta Plan (BDP), facilitating Dutch investment financing in private sector, especially across diverse sectors of Bangladesh agriculture, brining innovative Dutch water solutions to Bangladesh.

BDST: 1735 HRS, APR 01, 2023
MN/SMS