On April 12, 2026, German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz and Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks met with Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir to discuss enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The meetings highlighted Bangladesh’s rising importance as a trade partner for European countries.
Minister Muktadir emphasized the significance of Europe as a key market for Bangladeshi exports, advocating for stronger trade cooperation to benefit both sides. He addressed non-tariff barriers with EU countries and mentioned ongoing discussions to resolve these issues.
During the meeting with Ambassador Lotz, Muktadir invited German investment in Bangladesh’s light engineering, textile, and leather sectors, noting government efforts to create a business-friendly environment. He underscored the need for foreign investment to provide jobs for the country’s growing workforce.
Ambassador Weeks reaffirmed Sweden’s interest in expanding trade, particularly in the telecommunications sector. He expressed Sweden’s intent to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s telecom industry, highlighting Sweden’s global leadership in this field.
Additional Secretary Md Abdur Rahim Khan attended both meetings, which set the stage for future collaborations. The discussions are expected to lead to increased trade and investment flows, strengthening bilateral relations.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 13, 2026
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