DHAKA, Sept 29, 2020 (BSS) – Turkey expressed its interests to extend cooperation in developing food processing sector in Bangladesh as the country lags behind in this crucial component of agricultural products.
The assurance came when Turkish ambassador to Bangladesh, Mustafa Osman Turan paid a courtesy call on with Agriculture Minister Dr M Abdur Razzaque at his secretariat office here today.
“Turkish Cooperation And Coordination Agency (TIKA) will take initiative to assist Bangladesh in food processing”, Turkish envoy said during their discussion as there is a huge scope for both the countries to work together in this key area of agriculture sector.
The minister said asTurkish food processing industries has achieved global standard, the agriculture minister sought Turkish cooperation for further improving food processing industry of Bangladesh to enhance its export volume in agricultural products.
The country’s agriculture sector is witnessing tremendous success due to various initiatives taken by the present government, he said, adding Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in food production.
Razzaque said, “Bangladesh has deep relations with Turkey, so I do believe that our relations would strengthen further through extending cooperation in different key areas including economic, social and cultural affairs.”
The Turkish ambassador assured that they will take further initiative to identify different potential sectors of cooperation for development of the two countries.
Bangladesh and Turkey signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) on scientific and agricultural cooperation in 2012. As per the MoU, both the countries reiterated to strengthen mutual cooperation on science and technology related to agriculture, biotechnology, food processing and packaging, farm machineries, seed production, invention of stress tolerant different crop varieties and research works.