The Netherlands considers Bangladesh as an equal partner and their focus is no longer development cooperation.
Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Harry Verweij said this at a programme, DCAB Talk, held at Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies on Sunday (May 5).
DCAB Presdient Raheed Ejaj moderated the programme.
The envoy said, “Our focus will be on Aid to Trade. Bangladesh’s upward growth fits in with our role. The Netherlands will pay more attention in identifying and integrating alternative and innovative forms of funding.”
Dutch ambition is to increase trade and foreign investment and it plans to achieve that by linking development programmes and private sector initiatives.
However, he said business environment and transparency are two major hindrances in attracting foreign investment.
Branding Bangladesh
Engaging with a broad representation of the #Bangladesh press on a range of subjects incl #FreedomofExpression . Free speech is intertwined with democracy . #WorldPressFreedomDay #WPFD2019 @DutchMFA @RaheedEjaz #DCAB pic.twitter.com/3hfzcpKQcH
— NLambBangladesh Harry Verweij (@HarryVerweij) May 5, 2019
The Dutch envoy felt that branding Bangladesh is necessary to attract foreigners to come to this country.
The ambassador said his predecessor told him that ‘you cry when you go and you cry when you leave.’
Stressing on portraying positive elements, he said, “The opportunities are there and you have to take it out and tell about it.”
About Delta Plan, he said it is a courageous plan.
“We are moving from devising, planning to implementing. We transfer knowledge, bring in experts and they will be involved in implementing,” he said.
Rohingya crisis
Praising Bangladesh for allowing Rohingyas to stay in the country, he said accountability is important for Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
The Dutch supports the court in its effort to see where the common responsibility for the crimes is, he said.
About the current political situation, he said, “Whenever someone has a ticket for parliamentary seat from whatever party you are... you have to take it.”
