Food minister, Pakistan envoy discuss expanding ties

Food Minister Afroza Khanam highlighted potential areas for greater cooperation, particularly in agriculture, education and technology, during a meeting with Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider at the Secretariat on Monday.

At the meeting, where both sides expressed keen interest in expanding bilateral ties, Afroza sought Pakistan’s expertise and technical knowledge to improve Bangladesh’s long-term food grain storage system.

Other topics, such as issues related to expanding trade and improving connectivity, were also discussed.

Afroza said learning how Pakistan preserves food grains for extended periods without harming quality could help Bangladesh address its own hurdles in this regard.

“Although Bangladesh currently has adequate grain stocks, maintaining quality during long-term storage remains a major challenge,” the food minister said.

She further said that there is considerable scope for expanding trade with Pakistan, and called for stronger links between relevant institutions in both countries to develop markets for agricultural products.

Against this backdrop, she expressed optimism that trade facilitation and effective cooperation could turn existing opportunities into tangible commercial outcomes.

Regarding the importance of direct air connectivity between the two countries, Pakistan’s ambassador said the service has made travel easier, particularly benefitting people in Karachi.

Stressing the need for stronger commercial and cultural ties, Imran highlighted opportunities for expanding the reach of Bangladeshi products in Pakistan.

He said Bangladeshi ceramics, betel leaves and pineapples have demand in the country, adding that Bangladeshi students could avail higher education at Pakistani universities, with fully funded scholarships also available.

Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Mohammad Wasif, Trade and Investment Attache Waqas Yasin, Food Secretary Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, Director General of Food Md Jasim Uddin Khan and other officials were present at the meeting.