German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rdiger Lotz met with  Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at his office in Bangladesh Secretariat today. Photo: PID

Dhaka, April 12, 2026 (BSS) - German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rdiger Lotz and 
Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks held separate meetings with 
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at his office at Bangladesh 
Secretariat today.

During the meetings held at the minister's office, a wide range of issues 
relating to bilateral trade, investment and economic collaboration were 
discussed in details.

They also underscored the need to enhance bilateral trade, investment and 
economic cooperation.

The Commerce Minister said Europe remains a major destination for 
Bangladesh's export products and noted that both sides stand to benefit from 
expanded trade cooperation.
 
He mentioned that certain non-tariff barriers persist in trade with European 
Union countries, adding that the Ministry of Commerce has already initiated 
discussions with relevant ministries to address those challenges.

Muktadir invited Germany to invest in Bangladesh's light engineering, textile 
and leather sectors, highlighting that the government has undertaken multiple 
initiatives to create an investment-friendly environment.
 
Stressing the importance of foreign investment, he said that generating 
employment for nearly 2 to 2.2 million people entering the workforce annually 
requires increased external investment, said a Commerce Ministry press 
release.

German Ambassador Dr Rdiger Lotz expressed his country's keen interest in 
strengthening trade relations with Bangladesh. 

He emphasized cooperation in skill development for market-oriented sectors 
and development of potential markets and also underscored the need for 
ensuring a level playing field in business and trade.

Later, Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks met the Commerce Minister. The 
meeting discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral trade, investment and 
economic ties between the two countries.

The Commerce Minister said enhanced investment would further solidify 
Bangladesh-Sweden relations. He added that necessary steps have already been 
taken to remove non-tariff barriers with Sweden, which would facilitate 
future growth in trade and investment.

Ambassador Weeks expressed interest in expanding bilateral trade and noted 
that Sweden is a global leader in the telecommunications sector, with 
significant investments worldwide. 

He conveyed Sweden's interest in investing in Bangladesh's telecom sector.

Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce Md. Abdur Rahim 
Khan was present at the meetings.