Germany to provide €180m for cooperation projects

Germany will provide around €180.81 million (approximately Tk 2,265 crore) for bilateral development cooperation projects in Bangladesh that focus on a number of mutually agreed core areas.

Of the total support, €45.8 million will be in the form of technical cooperation and the rest in the form of financial cooperation.

The projects involve renewable energy and energy efficiency (€50.5 million), socially and environmentally sound supply chains, trade, and infrastructure (€12 million), sustainable urban development (€95.5 million) and protection of biodiversity (€6 million).

The projects also cover technical and vocational education and training (€5 million) and combating domestic violence against women and children (€7 million).

Two agreements were signed in this regard between the two countries at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) yesterday.

Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary to the ERD, and Achim Tröster, German ambassador to Bangladesh, signed the agreements, according to a press release of the ERD.

After signing the agreements, the ERD secretary mentioned that one of the hallmarks of the bilateral cooperation was a 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, he said.

He also said through initiatives such as technical assistance, capacity building, and investment promotion, Germany has played a pivotal role in empowering Bangladesh to realise its economic potential and improve the livelihoods of its people.

Siddiky also sought technical support from Germany for the modernisation of Bangladesh's jute industry.

This could include support for research and development in jute processing technology, capacity building for farmers and manufacturers, and facilitating access to international markets through trade partnerships, he said.