The Consultations on Development Cooperation between the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany were held in Dhaka today at the Economic Relations
Division (ERD) in the capital.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of ERD, while the German delegation was headed by Barbara Schäfer, head of Division for South Asia at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Senior officials from relevant ministries, agencies, and development organisations were also present, said a press release.
The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing bilateral development cooperation and discussed priorities for future collaboration in line with the Consultation Protocol agreed upon by both sides.
In his opening statement, Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky expressed appreciation for Germany's long-standing development partnership and its contributions to Bangladesh's socio-economic progress.
He highlighted the Government's priority areas, including climate change adaptation, renewable energy expansion, sustainable urban development, and skills enhancement.
The secretary stated that Bangladesh looks forward to deepening its engagement with Germany in the areas of renewable energy, solar rooftop expansion, climate-resilient infrastructure, good governance, and internationally recognized TVET certification programmes to enhance global employability of Bangladeshi workers.
In her remarks, Barbara Schäfer reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's development priorities and commended Bangladesh for its progress in economic growth, climate resilience and social development.
She emphasized Germany's readiness to continue its partnership with Bangladesh, particularly in climate adaptation, green transition, sustainable urban development, and skills development.
Summary of Key Discussion Areas
As reflected in the Consultation Protocol, discussions covered the following priority sectors: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability: Germany reiterated its commitment to support Bangladesh in strengthening climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation initiatives; Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Bangladesh requested increased support for the expansion
of renewable energy, particularly solar rooftop systems, energy-efficient technologies, and green transition initiatives.
Germany expressed interest in exploring further cooperation; Water Supply and Urban Development: Both sides noted the progress of projects including the Climate Change Adapted Drinking Water Resources Management Dhaka II (Saidabad WTP Phase III), aimed at reducing reliance on groundwater and enhancing sustainable water supply systems.
Besides, in TVET, Skills Development and Employment Opportunities: Bangladesh emphasized the need for TVET certification programmes Germany agreed to consider enhanced collaboration in this area; Social Protection, Gender Equality, and Inclusiveness: Both sides discussed continued support for inclusive development, women's empowerment, and social protection systems.
The consultations concluded with both delegations expressing satisfaction with the progress made and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral development cooperation.
The next round of Bangladesh-Germany Consultations on Development Cooperation will be held in Germany at a mutually agreed date.
