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Bangladesh and Germany have stressed the importance of sustained international support for resolving the Rohingya crisis and expressed interest in advancing discussions on a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU).
A delegation from the German-South Asian Parliamentary Group, led by Nicklas Kappe (CDU/CSU), concluded a three-day visit to Bangladesh from September 17 to 19.
The visit reflected growing European interest in Bangladesh as an important geoeconomic partner and explored opportunities for deeper trade integration and cooperation in the energy sector, the German Embassy in Dhaka said Monday.
During meetings with Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation discussed Bangladesh’s political and economic developments, trade and investment, climate change and the Rohingya crisis.
The discussions also covered ways to address Bangladesh’s energy challenges, including potential cooperation in natural gas extraction in Bhola, according to the embassy.
On the commercial front, the delegation visited German industrial companies operating in Bangladesh, including Heidelberg Materials, CHT and Siegwerk, and toured the Meghna Industrial Economic Zone in Narayanganj.
The delegation praised Bangladesh’s large consumer market and competitive workforce while also discussing operational challenges faced by businesses.
The German parliamentarians reiterated the need for continued international pressure on Myanmar and support for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Beyond economic ties, the delegation also discussed democratic inclusion and social development. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad briefed the parliamentarians on women’s political representation, while Deputy Chair Ulle Schauws met representatives of women’s rights and environmental organisations to discuss sustainable social development.