DHAKA, Sept 10, 2024 (BSS) - Netherlands has expressed keenness to invest in the ICT and pharmaceutical sectors of Bangladesh to reap benefits from the growing potential of these items in both the domestic and international markets.

Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Irma van Dueren today expressed the interest while meeting with Interim Government's Adviser to the Ministry of Industries Adilur Rahman Khan at Industries Ministry in the city.

During the meeting, they discussed on various issues including export, import, trade and investment.

In his speech, Adilur Rahman said Bangladesh and Netherlands have been enjoying good relations for long.

"A bilateral capital investment and protection agreement between Bangladesh and the Netherlands was signed on 01 November 1994. It is possible to move this bilateral relationship to a higher level by increasing trade and investment," he added.

Irma van Dueren said that the Netherlands is one of the main European importers of Bangladeshi textiles and apparel products.

"Bangladesh's ready-made garments (RMG) exports to the Netherlands have increased significantly in 2023. Bangladesh exports about 62 percent of its manufactured garments to the Netherlands among European Union countries. The Netherlands has consistently ranked as an important trading partner," he added.

He said the total value of Bangladesh's garment exports to the EU in 2023 was about US$15.87 billion. 

Now, Bangladesh can be considered as a potential regional hub for apparel business with a well-developed supply chain management, he added.

Among others, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Zakia Sultana attended the meeting.