Bangladesh and the Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on the circular economy, with a focus on promoting sustainable production, efficient resource use and green transition in the apparel and textile sector.
The agreement is expected to expand cooperation between the two countries in areas including resource efficiency across the textile value chain, waste reduction, recycling, sustainable production systems and green industrialisation.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony titled “MoU Signing on Cooperation in the Field of Circular Economy” held at the Ministry of Commerce on Monday.
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said adopting sustainable production systems and circular economy practices in the global textile industry had become an urgent necessity.
“As Bangladesh’s apparel and textile supply chain is deeply integrated with the global market, international cooperation in this sector needs to be further strengthened,” he said.
He said Bangladesh and the Netherlands had long been working as partners based on mutual trust, shared values and strong economic cooperation.
The Netherlands is one of Bangladesh’s important development and trade partners in areas including water management, agriculture, logistics and sustainable industrial development, he said.
“This MoU is an important milestone in taking our partnership towards a greener, more resilient and future-oriented economy,” the commerce minister said.
“Circular economy is not merely about environmental protection. It is directly linked to strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Bangladesh’s export sector, ensuring optimum use of resources, attracting sustainable investment, creating green jobs and responding to emerging demands in international markets,” he said.
The minister said Bangladesh was on the path to graduating from the least developed country (LDC) category.
Against this backdrop, strengthening industrial sustainability, adopting environmentally friendly production systems and complying with international standards would help enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in global trade, he said.
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the transition to a circular economy could not be achieved by any single stakeholder.
“It requires coordinated efforts involving the government, industries, financial institutions, development partners, research institutions and consumers,” he said.
The MoU places emphasis on multi-stakeholder cooperation and knowledge sharing, which would help bring about the structural changes required in the textile sector, he added.
The minister expressed gratitude for the Netherlands government’s continued support and constructive engagement, saying the partnership could become a successful example of international cooperation for sustainable industrial development and climate action.
The MoU was signed between Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce and the Netherlands’ Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh, while Stientje van Veldhoven, the Netherlands’ Minister for Climate and Green Growth, signed on behalf of her country.
The two ministers joined the ceremony virtually and signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.
Stientje van Veldhoven said expanding the circular economy had become increasingly important, but no country could complete the transition on its own.
“International cooperation, commercial partnerships and coordinated initiatives are required across the entire supply chain,” she said.
She said officials from the two countries had already discussed priority areas for action and stressed the need to translate those discussions into concrete measures quickly.
She also expressed interest in Bangladesh and the Netherlands working together at international forums alongside bilateral cooperation, while voicing hope that collaboration between the two countries would become more effective and result-oriented.
Commerce Ministry Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Faiyaz Murshid Kazi and Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel were present at the ceremony.
The MoU is expected to create new opportunities for adopting green technologies, promoting innovation and sustainable production, and enhancing the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector in international markets.
It is also expected to contribute to making Bangladesh’s industrial sector more climate-resilient and better prepared for the evolving global trading environment.
