Bangladesh has sought support from the Netherlands to advance its proposed free trade agreement with the European Union. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir raised the issue at a meeting with the Dutch foreign trade and development cooperation minister on 13 October, BSS reported.
The discussion included preserving export access to European markets after Bangladesh’s graduation from least developed country status, technical work on the proposed agreement and non-tariff barriers.
Both sides also discussed potential cooperation in agricultural technology, jute, fertiliser factories, renewable energy, ports, shipping and water management. The meeting was a request for assistance and an initial discussion; it did not establish a signed trade agreement or guaranteed new market access.