Germany will provide 180 million euros (Tk 22.65 billion) for various development projects in Bangladesh.
A number of financial and technical agreements on development cooperation were signed between the two countries on Thursday.
Out of the total amount, EUR 45.8 million will be used for Technical Cooperation and up to EUR 135 million for Financial Cooperation.
Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) at the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh, and HE Achim Tröster, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bangladesh, signed the agreement on behalf of the two governments.
The signing ceremony was attended by officials from the Bangladesh government, the German Embassy in Dhaka, the German Development Bank KfW, and the German technical cooperation agencies GIZ and BGR.
The cooperation under these agreements will take place in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, sustainable urban development, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), socially and environmentally sound supply chains, trade and infrastructure, protection of biodiversity, and a project on combating domestic violence against women and children.
Germany has provided over 3.5 billion euros in financial and technical assistance for the development of the country since 1972.
A spokesperson from the German embassy stated that German-Bangladesh Development Cooperation has a long-standing history in supporting infrastructure, health, poverty alleviation, good governance and human rights, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and climate change adaptation.
The present agreements mark the continuation of successful bilateral cooperation that contributes to the sustainable development goals of Bangladesh. "We are glad to continue our support for the Bangladeshi success story," said the German ambassador during the agreement signing ceremony. "Bangladesh and Germany have embarked on a journey of cooperation that spans various sectors, from economic development and trade to education, health, and beyond. At its core, this partnership is rooted in the shared values of democracy, inclusivity, and sustainable development," said ERD Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky in his opening remarks.
He also mentioned that one of the hallmarks of Bangladesh-Germany bilateral cooperation is the commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Germany has been a crucial partner in supporting Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen its infrastructure, expand its industrial base, and enhance its competitiveness in the global market.
Through initiatives such as technical assistance, capacity building, and investment promotion, Germany has played a pivotal role in empowering Bangladesh to realize its economic potential and improve the livelihoods of its people.
The Secretary of ERD thanked the German government for their ongoing support to Bangladesh.
[email protected]
