Khagrachhari:The district is exploring ways to increase exports of its agricultural products and handicrafts, with a focus on improving product quality, processing, packaging, storage, and market access, according to discussions at a recent meeting.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting, titled 'Enhancing Export Capacity of Products Produced in Khagrachhari District,' took place at the Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner's Office under the Export Promotion Bureau's (EPB) 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) programme. Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, Khagrachhari MP and President of the Khagrachhari District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the district's potential for producing agricultural goods and fruits due to its natural and geographical diversity.
Improving product quality and ensuring safe production, along with modern packaging and enhanced preservation and processing facilities, are seen as key to boosting demand in international markets. Such developments would increase farmers' incomes, create jobs, and stimulate the local economy. The district chamber has pledged ongoing support for local entrepreneurs and businesses.
EPB Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Mohammad Hasan Arif presided over the meeting and emphasized the ODOP programme's objective of identifying promising products from different districts and connecting them to international markets. He noted that mangoes, pineapples, oranges, bananas, coffee, cashew nuts, dragon fruit, papayas, jackfruits, bamboo, cane, and handicrafts have significant export potential in Khagrachhari.
To facilitate export growth, Hasan Arif stressed the importance of quality control, grading, modern packaging, processing, storage, transportation, international certification, and product diversification. The EPB supports promising products and entrepreneurs by facilitating participation in trade fairs and fostering business networking with foreign buyers.
Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md Anwar Sadat underscored the need to enhance local products to meet international standards, identifying bottlenecks in the production and marketing chain as crucial areas for improvement. The district administration plans to collaborate with public and private institutions to provide necessary support.
Additional Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman, PPM, remarked on the importance of a safe and stable environment for expanding export activities, assuring that law enforcement agencies will work alongside relevant authorities to ensure smooth transportation and marketing of products.
EPB Director Kumkum Sultana presented an overview of Bangladesh's export situation and strategies to enhance Khagrachhari's export capabilities. The meeting concluded with an open discussion where local producers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and traders shared their experiences and perspectives on export opportunities. The gathering, attended by representatives from various government and private institutions, emphasized coordinated efforts, skills development, and adherence to international market standards.