Led by Md. Ataur Rahman Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, the Bangladesh delegation held a meeting with the New Zealand delegation led by Diana Reich, Director of Bilateral and International Trade at MPI. During the meeting, various aspects of increasing agricultural and food product trade between the two countries and future cooperation were discussed.
From the Bangladesh side, New Zealand's high-quality biosecurity system, food safety assurance and agricultural export management were praised. At the same time, the need for closer cooperation between the two countries was highlighted in the context of Bangladesh's food security, agricultural development and growing consumer market.
Discussions were held on the potential for joint investment in agricultural technology, dairy industry, cold chain management and agro-processing industries. New Zealand investors were urged to take interest in Bangladesh's special economic zones and huge consumer market.
Discussions also focused on easing market access for agricultural products, fresh fruits, processed food and other products from Bangladesh into New Zealand's market. In particular, emphasis was placed on expanding trade through import health standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and mutual recognition agreements on product standards.
The Bangladesh side sought New Zealand's technical assistance in establishing advanced food testing laboratories, enhancing technical capacity, pesticide testing, removing trade barriers and implementing the e-phyto certification system.
Also discussed were the prospects of a Bangladesh-New Zealand free trade agreement, New Zealand's support for joining RCEP, and extending the transition period by three years for LDC graduation. Proposals were made to form a business forum between the two countries, create technical working groups, designate focal points and exchange information regularly.
The Bangladesh delegation expressed hope that this initiative will further strengthen agricultural, food processing and commercial relations in the future and create new opportunities for the economic development of both countries.
