FBCCI seeks JICA assistance in setting up lab at ports

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) has sought financial and technical assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in establishing lab facilities at land, sea and international airports of the country.

 FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu made this call during a meeting with representatives of JICA and Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) at FBCCI on Thursday, said a press release.  

"North-Eastern states of India have huge demand for food and agro products. Therefore, accredited lab facilities at land ports will facilitate exporting these products to those states," Mostofa Azad further said.

Besides, airports and seaports labs will aid Bangladesh in exploring the global food market, he added.  

Moreover, FBCCI Vice President Md Amin Helaly urged JICA to extend its assistance in food processing and preservation at upazila level as a significant part of the agricultural produce got damaged due to poor supply chain and preservation system and also farmers deprived of fair prices.

"BFSA and JICA to jointly undertake a project for establishing a reference laboratory and training complex in the country," Rezaul Karim, a member of BFSA, informed at the meeting.

Teruaki Fujii, a representative from JICA head office, stressed on ensuring safe food in order to achieve a sustainable food security. "JICA's upcoming project will create scope for the private sector food processing industry to flourish," he assured.

FBCCI Secretary General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque also urged JICA to collaborate with FBCCI to set up private testing labs in the country.

FBCCI directors Mohammad Anwar Sadat Sarker and Md Rejaul Kariem Rejnu, CIP were also present at the meeting.