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The European Union has conveyed its interest in signing Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (CPCA) with Bangladesh, as the interim government is updating country's trade and economic relations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has written to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on the bloc's eagerness about the proposed deal-making, said officials in Dhaka.
They also want to continue ongoing collaboration with Bangladesh and explore new avenues to build partnerships, through inking the agreement, said a spokesperson for the Press Wing of the CA on Monday.
"The EU stands ready to support a reform process, which should be peaceful and inclusive, respectful of democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law, and lead to transparent, inclusive and credible elections," the EC president's letter reads.
Lauding Dr Yunus's commitment to sustainable development, the green transition, the fight against corruption and the advancement of digitisation of financial systems, Ms Leyen said the EU is already engaging on these issues with Bangladesh.
"And we look forward to continuing our collaboration with your country and exploring new avenues to build our partnership, including through a possible Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement," she added.
The administrative-body chief of the bloc has mentioned that the EU remains open to discussing specific needs with sectoral partners and considering additional support that aligns with ongoing initiatives.
"There is substantial potential under the Global Gateway for EU investments in secure and reliable networks and connectivity, including railways, water resources, climate adaptation, health, digital and energy. In parallel, we are working with your administration to bolster the capacity of key institutions."
The EU intends to maximise the impact of this work by integrating targeted technical assistance to support policy development and effective governance in these sectors, sharing EU experience where relevant, she said.
"I wish to express my full commitment to ensure the smooth implementation of EU-Bangladesh cooperation. The EU stands ready to establish regular coordination meetings to ensure a strategic dialogue to provide timely updates on EU programmes, thorough reviews of our support and address new requests to reinforce our shared priorities and strengthen our partnership," the EC chief writes in the letter.