Bangladesh, Netherlands Sign MoU on Circular Economy to Boost Sustainable Textile Sector

Bangladesh and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on circular economy cooperation to make Bangladesh’s textile and ready-made garment (RMG) sector more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and globally competitive.

The agreement was signed on Monday at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Commerce in Dhaka. The MoU was concluded between Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands.

Speaking at the event, Commerce Minister Khandker Abdul Muqtadir said that sustainable production systems and circular economy practices have become essential for the global textile industry. As Bangladesh’s RMG and textile sector plays a vital role in the global supply chain, he emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation in this area.

He noted that Bangladesh and the Netherlands have long enjoyed a partnership built on mutual trust and economic cooperation. The Netherlands remains one of Bangladesh’s key development partners in sectors such as water management, agriculture, logistics, and sustainable industrial development.

Describing the MoU as a significant milestone, the minister said the agreement would help advance a greener, more resilient, and future-oriented economy. He added that the circular economy is not only about environmental protection but also about enhancing export competitiveness, improving resource efficiency, attracting sustainable investment, and creating green jobs.

Muqtadir also stressed that as Bangladesh transitions from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developing nation, strengthening the sustainability of its industrial sector and complying with international standards will be critical.

The Netherlands’ Minister for Climate and Green Growth, Stientje van Veldhoven, said that the transition to a circular economy cannot be achieved by a single country alone. She underscored the importance of international cooperation, trade partnerships, and coordinated efforts across the entire supply chain.

She added that officials from both countries have already identified priority initiatives and agreed to expedite their implementation.

The MoU was signed on behalf of Bangladesh by Commerce Minister Khandker Abdul Muqtadir and on behalf of the Netherlands by Minister Stientje van Veldhoven. Both ministers joined the signing ceremony virtually.

The event was also attended by Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, and the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel.

According to officials, the agreement is expected to promote the adoption of green technologies, innovation, recycling-based production systems, and sustainable industrialization in Bangladesh’s textile and garment sector. It is also expected to strengthen the country’s competitiveness in international markets while supporting the development of a climate-resilient industrial sector.