Bangladesh has sought German investment and technological cooperation in promising industrial sectors, including leather and leather goods, shipbuilding and ship recycling, and light engineering.
The government believes Germany’s experience, technology and investment could play an important role in transforming these sectors into export-oriented, environmentally friendly and internationally competitive industries.
Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir made the call at a meeting with German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz at the Ministry of Industries in Motijheel here today.
The minister said the government wanted to take Bangladesh-Germany economic relations beyond simply increasing the volume of bilateral trade.
“There is scope to deepen and diversify bilateral economic relations through product diversification, value addition, quality improvement and technology transfer,” he said.
He said the success of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector in international markets could be replicated in other industrial sectors, including leather, shipbuilding and light engineering.
“This requires greater emphasis on international standards, compliance, modern technology and skilled human resources,” he said.
Regarding the leather industry, the minister said the sector had significant export potential, but ensuring environmental standards and compliance was crucial.
He said the industry’s competitiveness could be enhanced by reducing water consumption, increasing the use of clean energy and adopting modern environmentally friendly technologies.
If international standards were ensured, Bangladesh’s leather and leather goods could secure a stronger position in the global market, he said, adding that German technology and investment could provide important support in this regard.
Highlighting the potential of shipbuilding and ship recycling, the industries minister said the sectors contributed not only to earning foreign currency but also to the country’s steel, construction and related industries.
However, he said, the sectors needed to be expanded in line with international standards on environmental protection and workplace safety.
“Germany’s experience in advanced technology, safe production systems and environmentally friendly industrialisation is important for Bangladesh,” he said.
He added that there was significant scope for German investment and technological partnership, particularly in shipbuilding and ship recycling.
German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz praised the progress and potential of Bangladesh’s industrial sector.
He cited the success of the ready-made garment industry as an important example of Bangladesh’s international competitiveness.
The ambassador said Germany was interested in further expanding cooperation in promising sectors, including leather, shipbuilding and ship recycling.
He also expressed hope for stronger cooperation between the two countries in environmentally friendly production, technology, skills development and sustainable industrialisation.
The meeting also discussed ways to expand bilateral trade and investment, facilitate technology transfer and industrial partnerships, and increase high-level reciprocal visits.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Industries and its relevant agencies, as well as representatives of the German Embassy, attended the meeting.