Bangladesh has sought the support of the Netherlands to continue its development journey in the post-LDC era.

It urged the Netherlands government to consider an extension of the transition period of GSP (EBA) to six years instead of three years, saying that it would contribute to ensuring smoother graduation.

A delegation led by Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, principal secretary to the prime minister, met with Steven Collet, director for Sustainable Economic Development and ambassador for Business and Development, and Dirk Klaasan, head of the Department of International Trade Policy and Economic Governance, at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hague Saturday.

Other members of the delegation were Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Faruque Hassan, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands M Riaz Hamidullah, and former Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nihad Kabir.

Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Anne van Leeuwen also joined the meeting.

At the meeting, Faruque gave an overview of the sustainable strategic vision 2030 of Bangladesh's apparel industry that aims to secure a sustainable and better future for it.

He urged the Dutch government to support the industry with knowledge, technology and funds in becoming more energy and resource-efficient, recycling and other environmental areas.