Bangladesh, Germany strengthen coop thru new technical agreements for sustainable development

In a significant step towards promoting
sustainable development, three technical cooperation agreements were signed
today between Bangladesh and Germany.

The agreements, amounting to €14.45 million, focus on advancing
sustainability in the textile sector, localizing national climate adaptation
targets, and transitioning to sustainable e-mobility.

Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division
(ERD), Ministry of Finance, and Andreas Kuck, Country Director of GiZ in
Bangladesh, signed the agreements, marking a new chapter in Bangladesh-
Germany bilateral cooperation, said an ERD press release.

The Project Details: 1. Programme for Sustainability in the Textile Sector II
(STILE-II). Total Project Fund: €7,300,000 where the Ministry of Commerce is
the sponsoring ministry.

The main objectives are to support public and private actors in modernizing
Bangladesh’s textile and ready-made garment (RMG) industries to align with
European Union sustainability standards.

The Key Outputs: Coordination efforts led by the Ministry of Commerce to
align the textile and RMG sector with EU standards.

Implementation of policies and instruments to strengthen the textile and RMG
sectors. Promotion of gender equality in working and living conditions for
workers.

2. Support for the Localization of National Climate Adaptation Targets
(LOCAT). Total Project Fund: €3,000,000 where the sponsoring Ministry is
LGRD.

The main objectives are to enhance the institutional capacity of local
governments in implementing City Climate Action Plans aligned with
Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan.

The Key Outputs: Development of methodological tools for gender-responsive
urban climate action plans.

Establishment of a robust multi-level learning framework for city climate
action.

3. Transition to Sustainable E-Mobility (Trans2SMo). The Total Project Fund:
€ 4,150,000 where the sponsoring entity is the Power Division.

Key Objectives: To promote sustainable electric mobility through
collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and academic institutions.

Key Outputs: Strengthening legal and administrative frameworks for electric
mobility.

Capacity-building initiatives for public, educational, and private sector
professionals.

Pilot projects demonstrate the viability of electric vehicles in selected
cities.

The signing of these agreements marks a milestone in the ongoing partnership
between Bangladesh and Germany.

Both nations reaffirm their commitment to advancing sustainable development
in critical sectors, including textiles, climate adaptation, and e-mobility.

These initiatives aim to significantly contribute to Bangladesh’s goals of
sustainable economic growth, environmental stewardship, and gender equality. (BSS)