Malaysia has shown interest in expanding trade in promising livestock and agricultural products from Bangladesh, including the Black Bengal goat.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohammad Suhada Osman expressed the interest during a courtesy call on Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid, minister for fisheries and livestock and agriculture.

The meeting, held at the minister's office in the Secretariat on Tuesday 4 August, discussed further strengthening the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia and expanding cooperation in fisheries, livestock and agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said in a press release.

According to the release, the meeting emphasised the potential for halal meat exports, ensuring international standards for animal products, exchange of technology and knowledge, research cooperation, skilled workforce development, increased investment and expansion of agriculture- and livestock-based trade.

The potential export of Bangladesh's world-famous Black Bengal goat to Malaysia received particular attention. The two sides exchanged views on closer cooperation between the relevant agencies of both countries on animal health certificates, halal certificates, quarantine arrangements, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards and market expansion. The export potential of fish, meat, milk and other animal products was also discussed.

Minister Amin Ur Rashid said there was wide scope for joint ventures, technology transfer, investment and trade expansion in fisheries, livestock and agriculture by building on the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia. He sought Malaysia's experience and technical cooperation to increase Bangladesh's capacity in the international halal meat market.

The Malaysian high commissioner praised the notable progress of Bangladesh's agriculture and livestock sectors and conveyed Malaysia's interest in expanding trade in promising animal products, including the Black Bengal goat, and agricultural products. He also stressed stronger contact and cooperation between the public and private sectors of the two countries.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.