French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet has stressed the need for enhancing economic and strategic cooperation between Bangladesh and France, saying the two countries have significant potential to expand collaboration in trade, investment, climate action, technology, culture and regional stability.
Speaking at a reception marking France’s National Day (Bastille Day) in Dhaka on Tuesday evening, the ambassador said France considers Bangladesh an important partner and wants to develop a long-term relationship based on mutual interests and stronger connections between businesses, students, researchers, artists and people of both countries.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood attended the event as the chief guest. Diplomats, government officials, business leaders and representatives of various sectors were also present.
Recalling Bangladesh’s recent political developments, the ambassador said the country had gone through a significant transition, moving from an interim government to an elected government through a democratic process.
He said France and the European Union were encouraged by Bangladesh’s return to the community of democracies, praising the commitment of the Bangladeshi people to democracy.
The French envoy said one of his key missions after being appointed ambassador by French President Emmanuel Macron was to revitalise bilateral relations and create new avenues of cooperation between the two countries.
“France and Bangladesh share a long-standing partnership that goes beyond governments and is based on the friendship between the two peoples,” he said.
He said France is already engaged with Bangladesh in several important sectors, including culture, education, development cooperation, climate resilience, infrastructure, aviation and technology.
The ambassador said the French Development Agency (AFD), which has been operating in Bangladesh since 2012, has provided nearly €2 billion in financing for projects, particularly in climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, poverty reduction and women’s empowerment.
He said French companies are also active in Bangladesh in sectors such as aerospace, civil aviation, fashion, water management and infrastructure, while France is keen to further expand its business presence.
Describing Bangladesh as a country with strong economic potential, a growing economy, skilled workforce and strategic geographic importance, Séré-Charlet said France wants to build a comprehensive partnership with Bangladesh.
He said cooperation between the two countries should not be limited to economic issues but should also focus on regional peace, stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Highlighting climate cooperation as a major area of partnership, Séré-Charlet said France recognises Bangladesh as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. He said more than 80 percent of AFD’s annual projects in Bangladesh are focused on climate mitigation, resilience and biodiversity conservation.
The ambassador said France is also keen to expand cooperation in emerging technologies, noting that the country has become one of Europe’s leading hubs for artificial intelligence and innovation.
He also highlighted the European Union’s longstanding trade partnership with Bangladesh, saying preferential market access provided over the past 25 years had contributed significantly to the growth of the country’s ready-made garment sector.
Séré-Charlet said France and the European Union want to continue supporting Bangladesh but also expect greater reciprocity and a level playing field to further strengthen economic relations.
Energy Minister in his speech highlighted the importance of the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and France under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He said bilateral cooperation spans various sectors, including trade, investment, defense, civil aviation, energy, education, culture, science, technology, climate action, and technology.
“Bangladesh values France’s support in its development journey and seeks to strengthen this partnership with a forward-looking approach” he said emphasising the significance of energy as a pillar of bilateral cooperation, with Bangladesh committed to energy security and a transition to cleaner, sustainable energy.
