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The European Union and its member states, Spain and the Netherlands, have expressed strong confidence in Bangladesh’s potential to emerge as a regional hub for green investment, circular economy initiatives, and sustainable shipbuilding.
During a visit to key industrial facilities in Bangladesh, EU Ambassador Michael Miller, Netherlands Ambassador Joris van Bommel, and Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Maria Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru highlighted the country’s growing industrial capabilities and opportunities for deeper cooperation with Europe.
The delegation visited one of the world’s largest cotton recycling facilities, Recover, the Bangladesh Navy’s Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited, and Karnaphuli Ship Builders Ltd, one of the country’s leading private shipyards.
EU Ambassador Miller said Bangladesh’s future economic growth would increasingly depend on diversification, innovation, and sustainable industrial development, stressing that European investment, technology and expertise could help transform the country into a major regional manufacturing and recycling hub.
Dutch Ambassador van Bommel underscored the importance of expanding maritime cooperation, particularly in green shipbuilding and technological innovation, while the Spanish ambassador described the maritime sector as a promising area for stronger Bangladesh-EU collaboration.
The envoys noted that Bangladesh’s transition toward sustainable production and circular economy practices would support its long-term competitiveness and strengthen access to European markets after its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
Industry representatives, meanwhile, called for greater access to green financing and enhanced policy support, saying Bangladesh has the potential to become a billion-dollar exporter of commercial and naval vessels through expanded cooperation with European partners.