Govt, FAO celebrate 50 years of technical cooperation

The government and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Sunday celebrated the 50th anniversary of FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP).

The event marked five decades of partnership that have helped strengthen Bangladesh's agrifood systems and improve the lives and livelihoods of millions of farmers, fishers and rural communities at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), said a press release.

The national celebration also marked the official inception of five new FAO supported technical cooperation initiatives, reaffirming the shared commitment of the government and FAO to address emerging agricultural challenges through innovation, technical excellence and strategic partnerships.

The event was officially inaugurated by Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid as the chief guest. Dr Rafiqul I Mohamed, secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, AKM Sohel, additional secretary and wing chief of UN Wing at Economic Relations Division under the Ministry of Finance, and Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman, additional secretary (PPC) of the Ministry of Agriculture graced the event as special guests.

Dr Md Abdus Salam, executive chairman of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) chaired the event.  Jiaoqun Shi, FAO representative in Bangladesh attended as the guest of honour.

Representatives from key ministries, leaders from farmers associations, development partners, civil society organisations, and media were also present at the programme.

Established in 1976, FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme is one of the organisation's flagship instruments for delivering rapid, demand-driven technical assistance to member countries. During the past five decades, TCP has supported countries worldwide in strengthening agricultural systems, developing evidence-based policies, responding to emergencies, building institutional capacity and piloting innovative approaches that often lead to larger national and international investments.

Globally, TCP has supported more than 11,000 projects across 178 member countries, with an overall investment of approximately USD$2 billion over the last 50 years.

Today, approximately 700–800 new TCP projects are approved every biennium, making the programme one of FAO's most responsive instruments for technical cooperation.

In Bangladesh, the Technical Cooperation Programme has served as a catalyst for agricultural transformation for more than five decades.

Since 1973, FAO has implemented more than 380 technical assistance projects in the country with a combined value exceeding $420 million, helping build institutions, strengthen policies and improve the lives of millions of farmers, fishers and rural communities.

The Programme has also contributed to policy development, institutional strengthening and innovation across Bangladesh's agrifood systems.

Addressing the gathering, Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said, "Bangladesh's agricultural transformation is built on strong national leadership and trusted international partnerships. The Technical Cooperation Programme has played an important role in supporting our journey toward a more resilient, productive, and sustainable food system."

Speaking at the event, Jiaoqun Shi stated, "The Technical Cooperation Programme embodies FAO's commitment to providing timely, demand-driven technical support that responds directly to the priorities of member countries. For fifty years, TCP has transformed ideas into action and technical knowledge into lasting development impact."

A key highlight of the celebration was the official launch of five new FAO-supported initiatives, developed in close collaboration with the government.

During the event, representatives from government institutions, development partners, technical organisations and farmers reflected on the contribution of TCP in introducing innovations, strengthening national capacities and fostering long-term partnerships.

The technical session was chaired by AKM Sohel. Speakers highlighted the Programme's flexibility in responding to emerging priorities while serving as a bridge between technical expertise and larger development investments.

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The event also recognised the invaluable contributions of Bangladesh's farmers, researchers, extension workers, government institutions and development partners whose collective efforts have helped transform the country's agriculture over the past five decades.

As Bangladesh progresses towards its national development aspirations and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Government and FAO renewed their shared commitment to ensuring better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all–leaving no one behind.