Amsterdam promises continued cooperation for water management

Amsterdam promises continued cooperation for water management

DHAKA, Bangladesh, July 6 (BSS) - The Netherlands today promised continued support for water management while it asked Bangladesh to intensify efforts to reduce red tapism and corruption for enhanced bilateral trade links and Dutch investments."The Netherlands has traditionally been Bangladesh's main partner in the area of water management. This cooperation will become even more important against the backdrop of climate change,"

Dutch Development Cooperation Minister Bert Koenders told newsmen at the fag end of his three-day visit.Koenders said his talks with Bangladesh leaders including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina largely dominated the water issues while he found her to be very keen in getting the Dutch assistance particularly for re-excavation of traditional waterways dredging the major rivers.The Dutch minister said being a deltaic country like Bangladesh and having wide experience in water management, the Netherlands also was very willing to share its knowledge and experience in this field in collaboration with Water Development Board.But he added that Bangladesh's river systems had both similarities and differences with the Dutch ones while his country was not crisscrossed by so many rivers.The Dutch minister also offered Amsterdam's further assistance in land reclamation in the Bay of Bengal while he noted with appreciation that over the past three decades, Bangladesh was gradually reclaiming lands in the southern coastlines in greater Noakhali.Replying to a question on cross-border Tipaimukh dam issue, Koenders said he acknowledged "your concern" as being also a lower riparian country, the Netherlands was exposed to troubles because of upper riparian countries' interventions in common rivers, especially causing water pollution.He, however, expected Dhaka to resolve the "contentious issue" through talks with New Delhi.

The Dutch minister said Dhaka-Amsterdam relations could witness enhanced trade and investment relations but suggested Dhaka to boost its anti-graft campaign alongside reducing bureaucratic red tape, which frustrated the economic relations.Koenders also suggested increased investment in its drive against corruption, good governance and democratic consolidation while he said human rights issue was an area where Dhaka should pay more focus, particularly against deaths in custody.He, however, appreciated Bangladesh's initiatives in tackling the impact of global recession and its progress in attaining millennium development goals (MDGs)."We appreciate that a new government in your country is trying to intensify its fight against poverty."