Bangladesh Seeks German Investment in Leather, Shipbuilding

Bangladesh has sought German investment and technological cooperation in promising industrial sectors, including leather and leather goods, shipbuilding and ship recycling, and light engineering.

The government believes Germany’s experience, technology and investment could help transform these sectors into export-oriented, environmentally sustainable and internationally compliant industries.

Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir made the call during a meeting with German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz at the Industries Ministry in Motijheel, Dhaka, on Monday.

The minister said Bangladesh wanted to expand its economic relationship with Germany beyond increasing bilateral trade. There were opportunities to deepen and diversify economic ties through product diversification, greater value addition, quality improvement and technology transfer, he said.

He noted that the ready-made garment sector had demonstrated Bangladesh’s capacity to compete in international markets. Similar success could be achieved in leather, shipbuilding, light engineering and other industrial sectors by focusing on international standards, compliance, modern technology and skilled manpower.

Regarding the leather industry, Muktadir said the sector had substantial export potential, but ensuring environmental standards and compliance was essential. He said the industry’s competitiveness could be improved by reducing water consumption, increasing the use of clean energy and adopting modern, environmentally friendly technologies.

If international standards were ensured, Bangladesh’s leather and leather goods could secure a stronger position in the global market, he said, adding that German technology and investment could play an important supporting role.

Highlighting the potential of shipbuilding and ship recycling, the minister said the sectors contributed to foreign-exchange earnings as well as the country’s steel, construction and related industries. However, their expansion should follow international standards for environmental protection and workplace safety.

Germany’s experience in advanced technology, safe production systems and environmentally sustainable industrialisation could be valuable for Bangladesh, he said. He added that there were significant opportunities for German investment and technological partnerships in shipbuilding and ship recycling.

Ambassador Lotz praised the progress and potential of Bangladesh’s industrial sectors. He cited the success of the ready-made garment industry as an important example of the country’s international competitiveness.

The ambassador said Germany was interested in increasing cooperation in promising sectors, including leather, shipbuilding and ship recycling. He also expressed hope that the two countries would strengthen cooperation in environmentally friendly production, technology, skills development and sustainable industrialisation.

The meeting also discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, technology transfer, industrial partnerships and increasing high-level visits between the two countries.

Senior officials from the Industries Ministry and relevant departments, along with representatives of the German Embassy, attended the meeting.