Germany has expressed interest in strengthening economic and political ties with Bangladesh during a three‑day visit by a delegation from the German‑South Asian Parliamentary Group.
The delegation, led by Nicklas Kappe of the CDU/CSU, arrived in Bangladesh on September 17 and met with Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram as well as the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the meetings the German representatives discussed Bangladesh’s political and economic developments, trade and investment opportunities, climate‑change challenges and the ongoing Rohingya crisis, emphasizing the need for continued international support.
Energy cooperation was also on the agenda, with talks focusing on Bangladesh’s natural‑gas extraction prospects in Bhola and possible joint projects to address the country’s energy needs.
Both sides expressed interest in advancing discussions on a Free Trade Agreement between Bangladesh and the European Union, seeing it as a pathway to expand bilateral trade.
The delegation toured German industrial ventures operating in Bangladesh, including Heidelberg Materials, CHT and Siegwerk, and visited the Meghna Industrial Economic Zone in Narayanganj to assess investment opportunities.
German officials praised Bangladesh’s large consumer market and skilled labour force, and highlighted democratic inclusion and social development, noting briefings on women’s political representation and meetings with local NGOs.
Why it matters
The talks aim to expand bilateral trade, address climate challenges and support the Rohingya crisis response.