France expects a level playing field and genuine reciprocity from Bangladesh to further strengthen bilateral relations, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet said yesterday (14 July).

"We naturally expect to benefit from a level playing field in order to continue and develop our relationship based on genuine reciprocity. We expect Bangladesh to also demonstrate its interest in partnering in a concrete way," he said.

The ambassador made the remarks at a reception hosted by the French Embassy in Dhaka to celebrate Bastille Day, France's National Day. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood attended the event as chief guest.

Sere-Charlet said France is committed to expanding its partnership with Bangladesh in trade, investment, culture, climate action, innovation and strategic cooperation.

He highlighted the role of France and the European Union in supporting Bangladesh's economic growth over the past 25 years, particularly through export support that helped the ready-made garment sector expand.

"France and the European Union have been supporting Bangladesh for 25 years by establishing a system that has favoured its exports and allowed the Bangladeshi garment industry to develop with remarkable results," he said.

The ambassador said France remains interested in deepening cooperation with Bangladesh and praised the country's recent democratic transition.

He said the European Union supported the electoral process by deploying an election observation mission with more than 200 observers, adding that the elections reflected the commitment of Bangladeshi people to democracy.

Sere-Charlet also congratulated Bangladesh on the election of Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly and Bangladesh Ambassador to France Khondker Talha as President of the UNESCO Executive Board.

Highlighting economic cooperation, he said French companies are expanding their presence in Bangladesh in sectors including fashion, aerospace, aviation, water management and infrastructure.

He added that the French Development Agency (AFD), which has operated in Bangladesh since 2012, has provided nearly €2 billion in financing, mainly for climate resilience, poverty reduction and women's empowerment.

The ambassador said France, one of the first countries to recognise Bangladesh after independence, remains committed to building a long-term partnership based on friendship and shared interests.