German envoy pledges to promote bilateral trade

German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz expresses the optimism that Bangladesh will soon rejoin the ranks of vibrant democracies as it prepares for what he calls "the biggest democratic elections in the world" in 2026, when over 127 million citizens are expected to vote.

"At a time when democracy faces challenges across many regions of this planet, Bangladesh's election will be proof - to quote Abraham Lincoln - that 'government of the people, by the people, for the people' shall not perish from the earth," Dr Lotz says, on a high note of appreciation for Bangladesh's post-uprising transition process.

The ambassador was speaking on Wednesday evening at an event hosted by the German Embassy in Dhaka to mark the 35th anniversary of German reunification.

He commended the interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for steering the country toward democratic restoration after years of political upheavals. "We stand ready to work with you to enhance these relations even further," he said.

"What is key now is to ensure a good election process and to make sure that the country will see fair, free, and credible elections. I have seen great efforts in this direction by all stakeholders."

Turning to economic relations, Dr Lotz said there was significant potential to expand bilateral trade and investment at a time when Germany and other European firms were searching for new partners in Asia.

"Bangladesh is a country with impressive growth rates, an emerging middle class of 40 million people, a young population, and a wonderful geo-economic location," he notes. "One of the goals of my tenure will be to attract more business, to bring more companies to the country in order to see the huge opportunities Bangladesh offers."

Germany is already Bangladesh's second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding €9.0 billion. About 20 per cent of Germany's textile imports go from Bangladesh, the envoy notes, adding that other sectors such as agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, and logistics were rapidly gaining importance.

He also points to growing demand for German exports to Bangladesh, particularly machinery, consumer goods, and automobiles. "I see many other German companies showing increased interest in Bangladesh."

To facilitate stronger economic ties, Dr Lotz urges Bangladesh to address issues affecting the business environment, including regulatory clarity, governance, and infrastructure.

The envoy underscores that Germany views Bangladesh not only as a commercial partner but also as a country with shared values. "We have had very close ties since 1971," he mentions. "Germany looks forward to deepening relations with Bangladesh as a partner which shares not only interests but also values."

In the past year, he notes, several high-level visits had taken place, including meetings between Professor Yunus and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "I am confident that we will see an even closer exchange in the future as Bangladesh increasingly becomes a key partner in Asia and a pillar of regional stability."

The ambassador emphasizes joint efforts on global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. "Together with Bangladesh and other partners in the region, we will continue to support adaptation and mitigation efforts to ensure a livable future for our children and grandchildren," he told the meet.

Since Bangladesh's independence, Germany has provided more than €3.5 billion in development assistance. Dr Lotz says German agencies such as GIZ and KfW would continue their "amazing work" on sustainable growth, resource protection, and humanitarian aid.

He also welcomes the growing number of Bangladeshi students in Germany - now around 7,000 - calling it "a win-win situation for all." "All of this," he notes, "is being done in close coordination with our European partners in Team Europe."

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com