Bangladesh, Malaysia seek to boost co-op in agriculture

Bangladesh and Malaysia have highlighted the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the crop cultivation, fisheries, and livestock sectors, with a particular focus on expanding trade, technology transfer, and the development of the halal meat industry.

The issue came up during a courtesy call on Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid by Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

During the meeting, both sides held fruitful discussions on further solidifying the existing friendly ties between the two nations. Key areas of discussion included halal meat export potential, ensuring international standards for animal products, technology and knowledge exchange, research collaboration, skilled manpower development, increasing investment, and expanding crop-livestock trade.

A major focus of the talks was the export potential of Bangladesh’s world-renowned Black Bengal goat to Malaysia. To facilitate this, the two sides exchanged views on enhancing cooperation between relevant agencies of both countries regarding animal health certification, halal certification, quarantine protocols, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, and market expansion. Discussions also touched upon the export prospects of fish, meat, milk, and other animal products.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid noted that Bangladesh and Malaysia could leverage their excellent bilateral relations to unlock vast opportunities for joint ventures, technology transfer, investment, and trade expansion in these sectors. He sought Malaysia’s expertise and technical assistance to build Bangladesh’s capacity in the international halal meat market.

Expressing Malaysia's interest, High Commissioner Mohd Shuhada Othman commended Bangladesh’s significant progress in agriculture and livestock. He reiterated Malaysia’s eagerness to collaborate on trade expansion in promising animal and agricultural products, including the Black Bengal goat. He also emphasized strengthening links and cooperation between the public and private sectors of both countries.

First Secretary of the Malaysian High Commission Hazwan Hasnol was also present during the meeting.