In a speech to the European Union’s Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has described the EU as her country’s trusted trade, development, and humanitarian partner. She spoke of fruitful cooperation in security, climate change, and human mobility and of how shared values and commitments remain at the heart of EU-Bangladesh relations, writes Political Editor Nick Powell.

On the fiftieth anniversary of Bangladesh-EU relations, her speech to the Global Gateway Forum gave Sheikh Hasina the opportunity to reaffirm her government’s commitment to further strengthen strategic engagement. Her visit to Brussels also marked the official launch of negotiations on a new partnership and cooperation agreement, as well as the signing of a landmark contract with the European Investment Bank for a €350 million loan to finance the development of renewable energy in Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister reminded the forum that Bangladesh is now the world’s thirty-fifth largest economy. What was a $70 billion economy less than 15 years ago has grown to $465 billion, with millions of people lifted out of poverty. After 2026, Bangladesh will no longer be considered by the UN to be one of the world’s least developed countries.

Sheikh Hasina listed some of the enormous challenges that have been met under her leadership, including food security, universal school enrollment, community-based healthcare, safe water and sanitation, cost-free housing, rural communication, disaster resilience, climate adaptation, 100% electricity coverage and a nation-wide internet. These achievements have come with industrial growth and infrastructure development. But most importantly, she told her audience, with women’s empowerment.

Bangladesh’s road, rail, and port infrastructure is being built as part of regional economic corridors, including the remarkable Padma Multi-Purpose Bridge which was financed from the country’s own resources. Neighbouring countries can access the Bay of Bengal and Bangladeshi airports can serve as gateways between the East and the West.

As Sheikh Hasina put it, connectivity is a common binding factor between Bangladesh and the EU in their Indo-Pacific outlooks. “We appreciate the Global Gateway’s focus on transport networks, health security, green energy, digital transformation, research, and innovation”, she added, explaining that her country seeks the EU’s continued trade preferences for its smooth graduation from least developed country status.

Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said, offers one of the most attractive investment environments in South Asia. “I invite EU investors to explore the facilities in our Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks. We have scope for working further on decent work, circular economy and public-private partnership”.

She said Bangladesh is willing to join the EU in promoting green hydrogen and regional hydro-power networks. “We can benefit from the EU’s expertise in the sustainable use of marine resources. We need investment in cold chain systems to preserve our agricultural outputs. Our pharmaceuticals and medical equipment industries can support the EU’s efforts at diversifying production. We seek partners for our upcoming institutes on frontier technologies”.

She concluded by saying that Bangladesh’s dynamic young population is ready to join the EU’s skills and talent partnership programmes and her government trusted that the Global Gateway would help to realise its vision for a ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041. “Human connectivity is the lifeline for peace and progress. We must put an end to wars, conflicts, and the arms race. We need to prepare better for future crises. We must restore faith in mutual respect and understanding among nations”.

The Prime Minister also had a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said she was very glad to welcome Sheikh Hasina to Brussels, as Bangladesh and the EU celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. President von der Leyen said it is a solid partnership, now being taken to the next level “because in a time of global turbulence, the European Union is glad to be able to count on its long-standing partners, as they can count on us”.

She said that the great news is that they are relaunching negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. This new chapter in the relationship will be underpinned by investments by the EU’s Global Gateway programme, totalling nearly €1 billion for Bangladesh.

The two leaders signed two investment packages, one in renewable energy worth more than €400 million and another for €70 million to support public administration, employment, construction, skills and education. The European Commission is also working with the European Investment Bank to improve connectivity in Bangladesh, including ports, railways. and digital infrastructure.

In her reply, Sheikh Hasina said the partnership talks would open “a new chapter in our excellent bilateral relations”.

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