EU keen to strengthen trade, investment ties with Bangladesh: Michael Miller

European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said that new horizons of opportunity have opened up in Bangladesh after the elections. The EU has expressed its intention to work towards further strengthening trade, investment and economic partnership. At the same time, he expressed deep concern that Rohingya repatriation has not yet begun.

The ambassador made these remarks while presenting various aspects of the EU's future relations with Bangladesh at a 'Meet the Ambassador' event organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at Dhaka University on Tuesday, August 25.

He said, "The EU's relationship with Bangladesh is now undergoing a new evolution. It is not just grant-based cooperation; the EU wants to diversify Bangladesh's economy through joint financing, private sector investment and cooperation at Chattogram Port."

During this time, the EU ambassador advised against falling into dependence on any single country. He also said the EU wants a relationship based on trust, fairness and shared prosperity, not a partnership through debt dependence or control.

Michael Miller also informed that the EU has ongoing agreements, projects and grants worth approximately 1 billion euros in Bangladesh. He said the EU is also exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement ahead of Bangladesh's LDC graduation.

He also said cooperation would continue in maritime security, port security, combating human trafficking and extremism.

Meanwhile, Michael Miller reiterated the EU's stance of standing by Bangladesh on the Rohingya crisis. Referring to the more than 500 million euros in assistance provided to Bangladesh since 2017, he said, "The EU is also considering the interests of the local population of Cox's Bazar alongside the Rohingya."