Denmark has approved a five-year development partnership with Bangladesh.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs in Denmark, Kristian Jensen, has approved the programme, which is aligned to the Bangladeshi Government's seventh five year plan, said a press release issued by Danish embassy yesterday.

"In order to meet the targets of the Government's five year plan by 2021 and the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, emphasis on inclusive, pro-poor and sustainable development are important elements. I believe that the Danish five-year programme in Bangladesh can make a difference in this respect," Danish Ambassador Hanne Fugl Eskjær said in the release.

By supporting efforts of social mobilisation and empowerment, Denmark is confident that the programme will make a real difference for the Bangladeshi people.

The press release said the Danish efforts have created results across the whole country. Income and food security for three million farmers, where almost half are women, have been improved. Access to local markets and cyclone shelters has been improved for millions through improvement of rural infrastructure.

The new five-year programme will take effect by the end of 2016. The Danish embassy will now initiate discussions with the Ministry of Finance to conclude a Government-to-Government agreement.