Dhaka: Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has called for German investment and technology cooperation in Bangladesh's promising industrial sectors, such as leather and leather goods, shipbuilding and ship recycling, and light engineering. The aim is to transform these industries into export-oriented, environmentally sustainable, and internationally competitive sectors.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made this appeal during a meeting with German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rdiger Lotz at the Industries Ministry in Motijheel. Muktadir emphasized that Bangladesh wants to deepen its economic relations with Germany beyond merely increasing bilateral trade volume. He highlighted opportunities for diversifying economic relations through product diversification, value addition, quality improvement, and technology transfer.
Muktadir referred to the success of Bangladesh's readymade garment sector in international markets, suggesting that similar achievements could be realized in the leather, shipbuilding, and light engineering sectors. He stressed the need for international standards, compliance, modern technology, and skilled human resources to unlock the potential of these sectors.
Discussing the leather industry's export potential, Muktadir underlined the importance of meeting environmental standards and compliance. He suggested that reducing water consumption, increasing the use of clean energy, and adopting modern, environment-friendly technologies could enhance the sector's competitiveness. German technology and investment, he noted, could play a crucial supportive role.
Muktadir also highlighted the prospects of shipbuilding and ship recycling, stating that these sectors contribute to foreign exchange earnings and benefit the country's steel, construction, and related industries. However, he emphasized that their expansion should adhere to international standards for environmental protection and workplace safety. He underscored the significance of German experience in advanced technology, safe production systems, and environment-friendly industrialization for Bangladesh, pointing to significant opportunities for German investment and technological partnership.
The German ambassador commended the progress and prospects of Bangladesh's industrial sector, citing the readymade garment industry's success as an example of international competitiveness. He expressed Germany's interest in further expanding cooperation in promising sectors like leather, shipbuilding, and ship recycling. The ambassador also expressed hope for stronger cooperation between the two countries in environment-friendly production, technology, skills development, and sustainable industrialization.
The meeting discussed the expansion of bilateral trade and investment, technology transfer, industrial partnerships, and increased high-level visits between the two countries. Senior officials from the Industries Ministry and relevant agencies, as well as representatives from the German Embassy, attended the meeting.