It’s time to focus on green agenda
We have to move from aid to trade. Many companies are already doing business here. As we have close connections at the government level, more Danish companies are looking for new investment opportunities. There will be more cooperation between the two countries because of Bangladesh's economically and politically stable market.
Bangladesh and Denmark have recently signed Sustainable and Green Framework Engagement to strengthen the partnership on climate and green transition. It happened in Dhaka during the three-day visit of Denmark's Crown Princess Mary and Danish Minister for Development Flemming Moller Mortensen. Before leaving Dhaka on April 27, Mortensen shared his views on future cooperation between the two countries with The Daily Star.
DS: What will be Denmark's role in the Sustainable and Green Framework Engagement?
Mortensen: Bangladesh has developed massively in the last decade. During our meeting with the prime minister and the foreign minister, it seemed we very much agree on focusing on the green agenda, along with maintaining a close relationship in terms of trade and development.
When it comes to the green agenda, there would be a lot of things that I think we will be able to do together by engaging diplomatically on loss, damage and offshore energy.
DS: You spoke of helping Bangladesh in terms of loss and damage associated with climate change impacts. How do you plan to do that?
Mortensen: We had a fruitful discussion on this aspect in COP-26 in Glasgow. We have a good understanding of loss and damage, and that's why we have funded the Santiago Network. It seems many good initiatives are underway in Bangladesh's south-west region. We have just started, and we hope that we will see more such projects.
DS: What are the possibilities here in terms of renewable energy and blue economy?
Mortensen: We have to follow up and find out what the needs are, and how to address the needs in the best way. That's also one reason for signing the framework engagement. We believe that we can help Bangladesh make this transition fast with our close collaboration. We have developed renewable energy well in Denmark over the last decade. We have gained a lot of experience that we can share with Bangladesh.
DS: What are some of these experiences?
Mortensen: For example, we have gained experiences in terms of need-based, big investment and coordination among different types of renewable energy. We can connect experts from the Danish government and our scientific community to Bangladesh's intelligent youth and facilitate a knowledge transfer.
DS: You visited climate-related projects and climate-vulnerable communities in Satkhira. What is your understanding of the situation there?
Mortensen: I have gained a lot of experience. There are a lot of opportunities, but also the challenges regarding drinking water. There is a massive need for new knowledge and technology. Bangladesh needs a lot of investment to address this crisis. We have made new development strategies for Bangladesh in June last year and decided to invest in green development and climate adaptation.
DS: Do you have any new strategy concerning Bangladesh's LDC graduation?
Mortensen: We have to move from aid to trade. Danish companies are quite good in the green transition. Many companies are already doing business here. As we have close connections at the government level, more Danish companies are looking for new investment opportunities. There will be more cooperation between the two countries because of Bangladesh's economically and politically stable market.
DS: Do you see any challenges for the Danish companies eager to invest here?
Mortensen: It seems Bangladesh is very attractive for foreign investments. All we need is goodwill from all partners.
DS: Is Crown Princess Mary's visit to Bangladesh significant?
Mortensen: Indeed. Bangladesh and Denmark are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. We have been welcomed here in the best possible manner. The crown princess also has an interest in the areas we have been working on.
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