People cross a river in Bangladesh via a narrow footbridge and by boat.
Copyright© Thomas Trutschel/photothek.net
Bangladesh A dynamic country facing big challenges
But the same water also poses great dangers. Monsoon rains, swollen rivers and cyclones coming from the Bay of Bengal regularly cause flooding and have cost countless lives over the last few decades. Today special shelters offer the people greater safety when floods hit, but they cannot prevent the destruction of infrastructure and the loss of harvests.
In future, these weather-related phenomena are likely to become more extreme. That is why Bangladesh is working hard to gain international support for its efforts to adapt to climate change. In fact, Bangladesh has taken on the role of spokesperson for the countries that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Bangladesh is the most populous of the least developed countries (LDCs). With 1,265 inhabitants per square kilometre (2020) it is the most densely populated country in the world. Over the last few decades, the country has made remarkable progress and its economy is developing at a dynamic rate.
Bangladesh and Germany enjoy friendly relations. Germany is the second biggest market after the US for Bangladesh apparel and textile exports.
German development cooperation with Bangladesh
As a long-standing and reliable partner in development cooperation, Germany is held in high regard in Bangladesh. Having contributed around three billion euros in development support to date, Germany is an important bilateral donor for the country.
The German government pledged a total of 267 million euros for development cooperation with Bangladesh for the period 2019 to 2020. And for 2021, it made a commitment of 74 million euros.
Cooperation focuses on the following core areas and areas of intervention:
- Climate and energy, just transition
Areas of intervention: “Sustainable urban development”, “Renewable energy” and “Energy efficiency” - Peaceful and inclusive societies
Area of intervention: “Good governance” - Sustainable economic development, training and employment
Initiative areas: “Sustainable supply chains” and “Green Button”´“