Netherlands ambassador calls on agriculture minister

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel met with Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid at the latter's office at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues, including agriculture, livestock and climate adaptation, between the two countries.

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."

He 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."

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