Germany wants enhanced trade ties with Bangladesh

German Ambassador in Dhaka, Achim Tröster, on Monday stressed the need for expanding trade ties between Bangladesh and Germany.

The envoy made this statement while addressing a programme at the German Embassy organised on the occasion of German Unity Day.

“Germany supports the work and the mission of the interim government of Bangladesh,” he said, adding, “I wish you and the interim government great strength and success for the tasks that lie ahead.”

“Germany has been a proven partner for the last 52 years in one of the most impressive developments, and we are proud to have contributed to its successes,” he said.

Mr Tröster mentioned the German support for cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.

He stated that Germany has continued to support Bangladesh and that relations between Bangladesh and Germany continue to thrive as before.

“Germany remains the second-largest supporter of the government of Bangladesh, and there is a lot of scope for further expanding our businesses,” the envoy said.

The ambassador expressed appreciation for the efforts of the interim government to swiftly restore security and stability in the country and acknowledged the significant reforms that have been initiated.

“For example, in the banking sector, the embassy talks to various German businesspeople, and they already display continued interest in Bangladesh. They would very much applaud the success of Bangladesh's economic reform agenda, which would allow them to intensify and broaden their business with Bangladesh,” he added.

Regarding the need for national reconciliation, he said, “France and Germany have decided that reconciliation is the way forward toward the peaceful existence of all peoples and a necessary precondition for their aspirations for a free, peaceful, and prosperous Europe. I believe France and Germany, and the whole European Union, are a testament to the success of that approach. What is needed is a change in mindset and to cast away the shadows of a bloody and vengeful past.”

“Furthermore, reconciliation is not possible without investigating and acknowledging the truth,” he noted.

Finance and Commerce Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, who was the chief guest at the programme, expressed hope that more German investment will come to Bangladesh in the coming days.

He noted that most of the German assistance comes in the form of grants, which is particularly helpful at this time.