In this insightful episode of LightCastle Live, Zahedul Amin, Managing Director & Co-founder of LightCastle Partners, sits down with Matthias Brienen, Director at Larive International, to explore the evolving dynamics of the Dutch-Bangladesh economic collaboration
Key Themes of the Discussion
Matthias opens the conversation by sharing his deep-rooted engagement with Bangladesh, tracing Larive International’s long-standing commitment to facilitating sustainable private sector growth in emerging economies
He emphasizes how the Netherlands and Bangladesh, despite their geographical distance, are increasingly aligned in shared priorities such as food security, water resource management, and inclusive development.
The episode focuses on the potential of agri-food value chains. Matthias highlights Bangladesh’s growing capacity in aquaculture, poultry, and horticulture and points out the value of Dutch expertise in making these sectors more efficient, technologically robust, and globally competitive.
The discussion then focuses on the broader challenges facing Bangladeshi SMEs, from limited access to finance to the lack of business development services. Matthias underscores the need for long-term partnerships beyond aid and instead focuses on capacity building, innovation, and private sector-driven growth.
Zahedul and Matthias also explore the impact of investment, emphasizing the growing interest among Dutch investors in Bangladesh’s development landscape. Bangladesh must improve its business environment, reduce regulatory obstacles, and promote transparency to fully realize its potential for attracting sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI).
A recurring theme throughout the episode is co-creation—building solutions through joint ventures, knowledge transfer, and mutual trust. Matthias believes that Bangladesh stands on the cusp of changing growth and that strategic international partnerships will be vital in shaping a resilient, future-ready economy.
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Guests
Matthias is Director at Larive International, specializing in market entry and growth strategies for companies in high-growth markets across South and Southeast Asia. With expertise in sectors like agriculture, automotive, and energy, he advises both private clients and international institutions. He previously worked at Ernst & Young and was based in Bangkok from 2013 to 2015.
