Netherlands to send trade mission to Bangladesh next year: Dutch minister

The Netherlands will send a trade mission to Bangladesh in early 2022 to increase cooperation and trade relations in the agricultural sector.

Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs Tom de Bruijn said this when Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque met him at Hague on Wednesday.

Bruijn said relations between the two countries on food, water and energy would be strengthened by connecting the private sector.

In this case, the embassies of the two countries will take necessary initiatives and provide assistance, he said.

In the meeting, the agriculture minister highlighted the remarkable achievements of Bangladesh in the field of agriculture including cereals, vegetables, fruits and high-value crops in the last 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He said Bangladesh now needs Dutch knowledge, technology, innovation and solutions. "We want this help on a win-win basis."

Razzaque also requested increasing scholarships for Bangladeshi students for higher studies in agriculture in the Netherlands.

The agriculture minister also sought Dutch assistance in maintaining preferential trade for the export of Bangladeshi goods to the EU, despite its development as a middle-income country.

Later, in the meeting with Groet, vice minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the Netherlands, Razzaque sought Dutch assistance in setting up a supply chain in Bangladesh, mechanisation and construction of a modern packing house.

He said the Netherlands has the most advanced technology, innovation and integrated solutions in agriculture, so Bangladesh would welcome any kind of cooperation.

Groet assured Bangladesh of cooperation in agriculture by involving public and private sectors.