Dhaka:Food Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, emphasized the potential benefits of increased cooperation between Bangladesh and Pakistan in the areas of food storage and trade during a meeting with Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, at her office at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting involved discussions on various issues of mutual interest, including foodgrain imports, long-term food storage, trade expansion, education, and connectivity. Afroza Khanam highlighted the value of Pakistan's experience in improving long-term foodgrain storage systems, which could greatly benefit Bangladesh.
During the meeting, Afroza Khanam mentioned that Bangladesh imported 50,000 tonnes of rice from Pakistan in the last fiscal year, which was delivered on schedule and was of satisfactory quality. She praised Pakistan's basmati rice and noted the challenge of maintaining foodgrain quality during long-term storage, expressing hope for Pakistan's cooperation in sharing technical knowledge.
Imran Haider, the Pakistani high commissioner, noted the improved connectivity between the two countries due to the introduction of direct flights, particularly benefiting people in Karachi. He stressed the importance of expanding commercial and cultural ties and highlighted the demand for Bangladeshi products like ceramic goods, betel leaf, and pineapples in Pakistan.
The high commissioner also pointed out opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in Pakistan, including scholarships in fields such as cyber security and information technology. Afroza Khanam agreed that there is ample scope to expand trade between the two nations and emphasized the need for increased communication between relevant institutions and businesspeople.
The meeting was attended by Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Mohammad Wasif, Trade and Investment Attache Waqas Yasin, Food Secretary Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana, Director General of the Directorate General of Food Md Jasim Uddin Khan, and other officials. Afroza Khanam concluded by expressing optimism about turning the discussed prospects into real trade and strengthening friendly relations through increased cooperation in various sectors.