As part of the relentless strife to attain rapid economic development of the country, the government is continuously working to encourage foreign investors. With the slogan ‘My Village My town’, all modern facilities will be made available in every village of the country.
Agriculture minister Dr Abdur Razzak made this comment while inaugurating ‘7th BAPA Foodpro International Expo 2019’ as chief guest at International Convention Centre, Bashundhara in the capital on Wednesday. The minister said, “The government is ready to provide all sorts of support to the foreign investors. Bangladesh is a potential country for investment. At present, 100 economic zones are being established, massive infrastructure is also being constructed. We are here to welcome more investors in the coming days”.
“Being a disaster-prone country, we have been able to become a self-sufficient country in food production. Almost every kind of agricultural products are produced here. During last Boro season, the country produced more paddy in terms with demand”, the minister added. Urging to safeguard the farmers’ interest, he said, “Despite huge production, our farmers are not getting fair price. During last season we have bought enough paddy from the farmers. So there is no chance to hike rice price”, he continued, “this season the government will purchase six lakh tonnes of paddy at Tk 400”.
“The country led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is continuously attaining economic development. Food safety is one of the major part of Sustainable Development Goal. The country is producing additional four million potato, which is a big opportunity for agro export. Government is ready to provide any help to achieve goal”, he further said.
Acting Indian high commissioner Bishwadip Dey also spoke as special guest on the occasion, he said, “Bangladesh is doing tremendously well in agro sector. Export earnings has also increased. India is one of the biggest market of agro export as Bangladesh exports 21 types of agro products there”.
“The bilateral relationship between both countries will be stronger in the coming days for both countries being led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina”, he further said. Bangladesh Safe Food Authority Chairman Syeda Sarwar Jahan said, “The country is now exporting agricultural products to 144 countries. We need to take care of this sector further. Few days back, a research by United States showed, harmful chemical presence in turmeric which is exported from our country”.
To this end, she urged all the concerned to ensure safe food production and spread this to every doorstep. Robert Douglas Simpson, representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture on the occasion said, agricultural products of the country is a dynamic and powerful sector. Private organisations are doing well in this sector. If quality is ensured, the sector will achieve further progress. Among others, ambassador of France Jean-Marin SCHUH, ACI agricultural business managing director Dr FH Ansair, BAPA general secretary Ektadul Haque and event organiser Ahsan Khan also spoke on the occasion.
Currently, BAPA consists of 300 members who are exporting goods 144 nations worldwide with an export value of USD 372 Million and the total export value in this sector in Bangladesh is USD 700 Million which is expected to rise above USD 1 Billion by the year 2021. 7th BAPA Foodpro International Expo 2019 is Bangladesh’s only show on food products, food processing and packaging products and machineries. It will attract all stakeholders from the retail and wholesale food and beverage service sectors generating new connections and new business for everyone involved. The expo will remain open for all from 11:00am to 7:00pm over the course of three days.
