Canada promises technical assistance for agro-processing sector

Canada has assured Bangladesh it will assist the country in mechanising the agro-processing sector and increasing exports of agricultural products.

The assurance came after Bangladesh – lagging behind in agro-processing and agricultural exports – sought technical assistance from the country.

Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque had a virtual meeting with Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister for Agriculture and Food of Canada, on Tuesday night.

According to the agriculture ministry, the ministers discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing and trade between the two countries.

Dr Razzaque said Bangladesh is now working to make agriculture profitable by commercialising it.

"This requires increasing agro-processing and exports of agricultural products. Bangladesh lags far behind in these two areas. That is why Canada can help Bangladesh in agro-processing mechanisation and the export of agricultural products," he added.

Marie-Claude Bibeau promised Bangladesh technical assistance in agro-processing and agricultural product markets. She also promised technical assistance to Bangladesh including agricultural research training.

She said, "In order to further enhance the existing trade relations between the two countries, the issue of hiring skilled agricultural workers from Bangladesh, import of rice and mango will be seriously discussed with the authorities concerned."

Earlier, Dr Razzaque said there was massive demand for seasonal-agricultural workers in Canada. Bangladesh has a lot of skilled manpower with agricultural diplomas. Through training, these workers can be taken to Canada as agricultural workers on a seasonal and temporary basis. This can benefit both countries.