BERLIN - Germany and Bangladesh signed three technical cooperation agreements worth US$14.86m, focusing on sustainability in Bangladesh's textile sector, the localisation of national climate adaptation targets, and the transition to sustainable electric mobility. The agreements were formalised in Dhaka by Mohammad Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of the Economic Relations Division under the finance ministry, and Andreas Kuck, country director of the German development agency GIZ in Bangladesh, as stated in a press release from the ministry.

The first initiative, titled Programme for Sustainability in the Textile Sector II (STILE-II), has a sanctioned fund of US$75.3m. This project aims to modernise Bangladesh's textile and readymade garment industries by supporting both the public and private sectors. The initiative is designed to align these industries with European Union sustainability standards, with the Ministry of Commerce acting as the sponsoring body.

According to a GTZ factsheet, the project will focus on raising policy-level awareness, promoting trade and environmental readiness, and supporting export and environmental protection. Additionally, it will qualify manufacturing companies to meet export and climate targets, while emphasising gender equality through community-based worker support.

The second project, Support for the Localisation of National Climate Adaptation Targets (LOCAT), has been allocated €30m. Its primary goal is to enhance the institutional capacity of local governments to implement city-level climate action plans in alignment with Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan.

The third agreement, Transition to Sustainable E-Mobility (Trans2SMo), involves a fund of €41.5m. This project seeks to promote sustainable electric mobility by fostering collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and academic institutions. The Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources serves as the sponsoring ministry for this initiative.