Germany to provide over €180m for dev projects in BD

Germany will provide 180.807 million euros, equivalent to Tk2,265 crore, as technical and financial support for various development projects in Bangladesh.

Following fruitful negotiations between the two governments on 13-14 May this year, the sum was agreed on, where up to 45.8 million euros have been earmarked for technical cooperation and up to 135 million euros allocated for financial cooperation.

Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and German Ambassador Achim Tröster signed the agreement on behalf of the two governments on 28 November.

The signing ceremony was attended by officials from the Bangladesh government, the German Embassy in Dhaka, the German Development Bank KfW, the German technical cooperation agencies GIZ and BGR, said a press release of the German Embassy.

The cooperation under these agreements will take place in the areas of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (up to EUR 50.5 million), Sustainable Urban Development (up to EUR 95.5 million), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) (up to EUR 5.0 million), Socially and Environmentally Sound Supply Chains, Trade and Infrastructure (EUR 12 million), Protection of Biodiversity (up to EUR 6.0 million) and for a project on combating domestic violence against women and children (up to EUR 7.0 million).

Germany has been providing financial and technical assistance for the development of Bangladesh since 1972, which amounts today to a total of over 3.5 billion euros.

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 as well as climate change adaptation initiatives in Bangladesh.

The present agreement marks the continuation of successful bilateral cooperation that contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals. “We are glad to continue our support for the Bangladeshi success story” the German ambassador said.

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 by the Secretary ERD, 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 has thanked the German Government for their ongoing support to Bangladesh.