News Flash
Dhaka, April 12, 2026 (BSS) - German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rdiger Lotz and
Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks held separate meetings with
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at his office at Bangladesh
Secretariat today.
During the meetings held at the minister's office, a wide range of issues
relating to bilateral trade, investment and economic collaboration were
discussed in details.
They also underscored the need to enhance bilateral trade, investment and
economic cooperation.
The Commerce Minister said Europe remains a major destination for
Bangladesh's export products and noted that both sides stand to benefit from
expanded trade cooperation.
He mentioned that certain non-tariff barriers persist in trade with European
Union countries, adding that the Ministry of Commerce has already initiated
discussions with relevant ministries to address those challenges.
Muktadir invited Germany to invest in Bangladesh's light engineering, textile
and leather sectors, highlighting that the government has undertaken multiple
initiatives to create an investment-friendly environment.
Stressing the importance of foreign investment, he said that generating
employment for nearly 2 to 2.2 million people entering the workforce annually
requires increased external investment, said a Commerce Ministry press
release.
German Ambassador Dr Rdiger Lotz expressed his country's keen interest in
strengthening trade relations with Bangladesh.
He emphasized cooperation in skill development for market-oriented sectors
and development of potential markets and also underscored the need for
ensuring a level playing field in business and trade.
Later, Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks met the Commerce Minister. The
meeting discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral trade, investment and
economic ties between the two countries.
The Commerce Minister said enhanced investment would further solidify
Bangladesh-Sweden relations. He added that necessary steps have already been
taken to remove non-tariff barriers with Sweden, which would facilitate
future growth in trade and investment.
Ambassador Weeks expressed interest in expanding bilateral trade and noted
that Sweden is a global leader in the telecommunications sector, with
significant investments worldwide.
He conveyed Sweden's interest in investing in Bangladesh's telecom sector.
Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce Md. Abdur Rahim
Khan was present at the meetings.
