Bangladesh, Netherlands Discuss Trade, Investment and Rohingya Repatriation

Bangladesh and the Netherlands have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, investment, water management, agriculture, migration, technology, education and the Rohingya crisis.

Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh H.E. Mr. Joris van Bommel paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Humaiun Kobir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Thursday, October 8.

During the meeting, Ambassador van Bommel congratulated the State Minister on assuming office and expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would continue to deepen.

The State Minister appreciated the Netherlands’ longstanding support for Bangladesh’s development, particularly in democratic transition, trade and investment, sustainable industrial development, water management and agriculture.

Both sides exchanged views on political and economic developments and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in several areas of mutual interest.

Trade and investment featured prominently in the discussions. The two sides also addressed a potential Bangladesh-European Union Free Trade Agreement, as well as the implications of Bangladesh’s graduation from the United Nations’ Least Developed Country category.

As Bangladesh prepares for the changing trade environment following its graduation, cooperation with European partners could be important in maintaining export competitiveness, attracting investment and expanding access to international markets.

The discussions also covered migration cooperation and human capital development. Both countries have an interest in promoting skills development, professional training and stronger people-to-people connections.

Semiconductor technology, education and sports were also among the issues discussed, reflecting opportunities for broader cooperation in technology, knowledge exchange and human development.

Water management and agriculture remain particularly important areas for bilateral engagement. The Netherlands has extensive experience in flood protection, coastal management and water engineering, while Bangladesh faces recurring challenges related to flooding, river erosion, salinity and climate change.

Greater cooperation in these areas could create opportunities for technical knowledge-sharing, agricultural innovation and improved climate resilience. However, no specific new project or funding commitment was announced in the reported meeting.

The two sides also discussed shipping and maritime infrastructure. As an export-oriented economy with significant dependence on maritime transport, Bangladesh could benefit from enhanced cooperation in port development, shipping efficiency and maritime expertise.

The Rohingya crisis was another key issue. The State Minister thanked the Netherlands for its continued support for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.

He reiterated the importance of ensuring the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

Bangladesh continues to seek an international response to the crisis, emphasizing the need for conditions that would allow refugees to return safely and live with security and dignity. Continued international support remains important for humanitarian assistance and diplomatic efforts toward a lasting solution.

During the meeting, Ambassador van Bommel reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in water management, agriculture, shipping, maritime infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges.

He also briefed the State Minister on the upcoming visit of Mr. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Netherlands’ Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

Both sides underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement and stronger cooperation in bilateral and multilateral forums.

The meeting highlighted the breadth of the Bangladesh-Netherlands partnership, extending beyond development assistance to include trade, technology, climate resilience, maritime cooperation and regional and international issues.

The practical impact of these discussions will depend on follow-up diplomatic engagement and the development of concrete initiatives. The anticipated ministerial visit could provide another opportunity to advance cooperation in areas of shared interest.

No specific agreement, new funding package, visa facility or Rohingya repatriation date was announced in the information released about the meeting.