B MirrorDesk: Denmark has shown a keen interest in increasing its investments in Bangladesh, particularly in sectors such as ready-made garments (RMG), port development, water resource management, the blue economy, and green technology. Ambassador Thomas Lund-Sorensen, Director General for Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, stated, ‘We have been a key partner of Bangladesh for many years, but we are now shifting from aid to business, which means we are investing more and engaging in greater trade with this nation.’ He made these comments to journalists after the foreign office consultations held in Dhaka on Monday.
Leading the Danish delegation, Mr. Thomas highlighted that Bangladesh enjoys a significant trade surplus with Denmark, largely due to the presence of numerous Danish companies in the RMG sector and other industries. ‘Currently, we are focusing on further investments in critical infrastructure, including water management, energy transition, green initiatives, and maritime infrastructure such as ports,’ he noted. When asked about the continuation of duty-free benefits for Bangladesh post-LDC graduation, he remarked, ‘Negotiations with the EU regarding a partnership agreement and GSP plus are crucial for both the EU and Bangladesh, and we will certainly contribute to these discussions as part of the EU.
We are optimistic about reaching favorable outcomes. While there is some urgency, we still have time to deliberate and reach agreements on various issues.’ Previously, the third round of political consultations between Bangladesh and Denmark reaffirmed the strong and amicable ties between the two nations, based on mutual respect, shared values, and common goals.
The delegations assessed the advancements made since the second round of consultations in May 2023 and investigated new opportunities for enhanced future collaboration. They engaged in fruitful discussions covering a wide array of topics including political cooperation, trade and investment, development assistance, climate change, sustainable transitions, maritime issues, renewable energy, education, technology, interpersonal connections, and regional and global matters of shared concern, as stated by a spokesperson from the foreign ministry.
Denmark reiterated its unwavering support for the interim government in its efforts to achieve a peaceful, democratic, and equitable Bangladesh. The Danish representatives praised the interim government’s contributions to the climate action agenda and highlighted ongoing collaboration under the bilateral Green Strategic Partnership Framework. During the meeting, Bangladesh expressed gratitude for Denmark’s long-standing development assistance, particularly in governance, agriculture, climate change, and maritime sectors. Both parties agreed to seek opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas such as water resource management, the blue economy, and green technologies.
They reaffirmed their dedication to bolstering bilateral trade and investment, including initiatives to improve market access and promote sustainable economic development. The countries decided to form a Joint Trade and Investment Committee to unlock trade potential and expedite investments. Bangladesh also requested Denmark’s support for its efforts to benefit from the EU’s GSP+ facility beyond 2029. Furthermore, both nations committed to continuing their collaboration in education and cultural exchanges, including academic partnerships, scholarships, and cultural initiatives, to promote mutual understanding and strengthen interpersonal ties.
Denmark reiterated its ongoing humanitarian assistance for the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and the host communities in Bangladesh.
The Danish side also reiterated its commitment to finding a durable solution to the crisis, including through the dignified, safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
At the conclusion of the consultations, Denmark announced an additional allocation of USD 5.0 million to support Bangladesh’s democratic transition, in response to a request from the government of Bangladesh, said officials of the foreign ministry.
The Danish side also expressed its intention to developing a new strategic sectoral cooperation in the area of circular economy, with a particular focus on the ready-made garments (RMG) sector.
The consultations were co-chaired by Md AbulHasan Mridha, Director General (West Europe & EU) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and Ambassador Thomas Lund-Sorensen, Director General for Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and the Caribbean of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. AKM Shahidul Karim, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Denmark, and Christian Brix Møller, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh, also participated as part of their respective delegations.
