Photo : ERD

DHAKA, Dec 8, 2025 (BSS) - The Consultations on Development Cooperation 
between the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of the Federal 
Republic of Germany were held in Dhaka today at the Economic Relations 
Division (ERD) in the capital.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of 
ERD, while the German delegation was headed by Barbara Schäfer, head of Division 
for South Asia at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and 
Development (BMZ). 

Senior officials from relevant ministries, agencies, and development 
organisations were also present, said a press release.

The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing bilateral development 
cooperation and discussed priorities for future collaboration in line with 
the Consultation Protocol agreed upon by both sides.

In his opening statement, Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky expressed 
appreciation for Germany's long-standing development partnership and its 
contributions to Bangladesh's socio-economic progress. 

He highlighted the Government's priority areas, including climate change 
adaptation, renewable energy expansion, sustainable urban development, and 
skills enhancement.

The secretary stated that Bangladesh looks forward to deepening its 
engagement with Germany in the areas of renewable energy, solar rooftop 
expansion, climate-resilient infrastructure, good governance, and 
internationally recognized TVET certification programmes to enhance global 
employability of Bangladeshi workers.

In her remarks, Barbara Schäfer reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting 
Bangladesh's development priorities and commended Bangladesh for its progress 
in economic growth, climate resilience and social development.

She emphasized Germany's readiness to continue its partnership with 
Bangladesh, particularly in climate adaptation, green transition, sustainable 
urban development, and skills development.

Summary of Key Discussion Areas

As reflected in the Consultation Protocol, discussions covered the following 
priority sectors: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability: Germany 
reiterated its commitment to support Bangladesh in strengthening climate 
resilience, adaptation, and mitigation initiatives; Renewable Energy and 
Energy Efficiency: Bangladesh requested increased support for the expansion 
of renewable energy, particularly solar rooftop systems, energy-efficient 
technologies, and green transition initiatives. 

Germany expressed interest in exploring further cooperation; Water Supply and 
Urban Development: Both sides noted the progress of projects including the 
Climate Change Adapted Drinking Water Resources Management Dhaka II (Saidabad 
WTP Phase III), aimed at reducing reliance on groundwater and enhancing 
sustainable water supply systems.

Besides, in TVET, Skills Development and Employment Opportunities: Bangladesh 
emphasized the need for TVET certification programmes Germany agreed to 
consider enhanced collaboration in this area; Social Protection, Gender 
Equality, and Inclusiveness: 
Both sides discussed continued support for inclusive development, women's 
empowerment, and social protection systems.

The consultations concluded with both delegations expressing satisfaction 
with the progress made and reaffirming their commitment to further 
strengthening bilateral development cooperation.

The next round of Bangladesh-Germany Consultations on Development Cooperation 
will be held in Germany at a mutually agreed date.