Dutch King Willem-Alexander has lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's "charismatic" leadership in view of Bangladesh's impressive socio-economic development in the last one decade.

He made the appreciative comments when newly appointed Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands M Riaz Hamidullah presented his credentials to the King at the Royal Palace in The Hague on Wednesday, a foreign ministry press release said today.

During the meeting, King Willem-Alexander recalled his visit to Bangladesh decades back and said that both the deltaic nations share unique commonalties in issues and approach to global challenges like climate change, water, women, blue economy, sustainable manufacturing and more.

Ambassador Hamidullah thanked the Dutch government for his appreciation of Bangladesh's challenges as well as accomplishments and result-oriented cooperation since Bangladesh's independence.

He particularly acknowledged the role and support of the Dutch government in mobilising the Dutch readymade garment (RMG) brands to remain engaged with Bangladesh during the Covid-19 crisis.

He apprised the King of the existing and emerging investment opportunities in Bangladesh for Dutch entrepreneurs across sectors like agriculture, IT, blue economy, 4IR technologies and water in mutually beneficial terms.

Bangladesh and the Netherlands have around USD $1.5 billion bilateral trade, out of which Bangladesh exports $1.2 billion to the Netherlands. Cumulative Dutch investment in Bangladesh stands at over USD $ 1 billion at present.