Bangladesh, NZ seek to boost trade, agriculture

Bangladesh and New Zealand have explored new avenues to boost bilateral trade and cooperation in agriculture, food security, technology and food processing.

A high-level Bangladesh delegation led by Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan held talks with officials of New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in Wellington on Wednesday, according to a press release issued by the Commerce Ministry.

Diana Reich, head of Bilateral and International Trade at MPI, represented New Zealand at the meeting.

The discussions focused on expanding trade in agricultural and food products, promoting investment and strengthening technical cooperation. 

Bangladesh highlighted New Zealand’s advanced biosecurity system, food safety standards and expertise in agricultural exports, while presenting its growing consumer market and agricultural potential.

The two sides explored joint investment and technology cooperation in dairy, cold-chain management, agro-processing and other agricultural sectors. 

Bangladesh also invited New Zealand companies to invest in these areas, particularly through its special economic zones.

Dhaka sought greater access to the New Zealand market for Bangladeshi agricultural products, fresh fruits and processed foods. 

The discussions also addressed import health standards and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, including possible mutual recognition of standards.

Bangladesh sought technical assistance to establish advanced food-testing laboratories, strengthen testing capacity, detect pesticide residues, remove trade barriers and introduce an electronic phytosanitary certification (e-Phyto) system.

The meeting also touched on a potential Bangladesh-New Zealand free trade agreement, Bangladesh’s possible accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the need for an additional three-year transition period to support a smoother graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

Bangladesh proposed forming a bilateral business forum and a technical working group, along with dedicated focal points and regular information exchanges, to deepen economic cooperation.

The delegation expressed hope that the initiatives would open new opportunities for investment, agricultural technology and trade while strengthening economic ties between the two countries.