Netherlands ambassador calls on agriculture minister

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid held a courtesy meeting with Joris van Bommel, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, at his office in the Secretariat in Dhaka yesterday (19 April).

During the meeting, they discussed a range of issues including agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and climate adaptation, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The minister welcomed the ambassador at the beginning of the meeting.

The minister said, "Bangladesh's economy stands on agriculture. The soil of this country is fertile, and crops are grown throughout the year. Extensive farming also takes place in the Netherlands. There are plans to cultivate organic cucumbers and baby corn in the vast riverine char areas of the country. There are many opportunities for mutual cooperation in the agricultural sector."

Amin Ur Rashid added that Bangladesh would welcome any export-oriented initiative from the private sector. "If any private company from the Netherlands wishes to work jointly with Bangladeshi institutions, Bangladesh will welcome that."

Ambassador Joris van Bommel said that the Netherlands is a delta like Bangladesh. 

"Our country is interested in working in Bangladesh's agricultural sector, particularly in improved seeds, cold chains, horticulture and aquaculture," he said.

He expressed his country's interest in assisting Bangladesh with greenhouse technology as well as various quality control and protocol facilities related to agriculture.