Netherlands seeks ‘accomodating business climate’ in Bangladesh

Dhaka: The Netherlands seeks an "accommodating business climate" for foreign investment and trade, as well as adherence to global labour and environmental standards, in order to attract more foreign investment and business to Bangladesh.

The observation was shared during a Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) held virtually between Bangladesh and The Netherlands on April 22.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the Bangladesh delegation while the Netherlands side was led by the Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paul Huijts, said a joint press statement. 

At the fourth FOC, Bangladesh underscored the need for promoting responsible business conduct in the global supply chain and for continued international support measures following its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

They noted the strong ties between the two countries over the past 50 years and elaborated on political and economic developments, as well as the evolving nature of the bilateral relationship, with a shift from development cooperation to economic cooperation.

Both sides agreed to continue exchanging views on human rights and rule of law, including in multilateral fora.

They acknowledged significant Dutch role in Bangladesh's early infrastructural development, water management and food security efforts, and shared their views on post-Covid-19 economic recovery to 'build back better'.

The delegations held an in-depth discussion on how to further strengthen economic ties and knowledge exchange in a wide variety of areas, including water management, agriculture, digitalisation and climate adaptation.

The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 was specifically discussed as a key vehicle for integrating cooperation on water management and food security.

The two delegation leaders discussed developments in the region, including the current focus on increasing cooperation and connectivity between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region.