Bangladesh's High Commissioner to the Maldives, Dr Md Nazmul Islam, has paid a courtesy call on Ahmed Shiyam, the country's Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources.

The meeting discussed in detail various possibilities for expanding bilateral cooperation in fisheries, agriculture, food security and the blue economy.

The Maldivian minister highlighted his government's priority of increasing farm production and expressed interest in Bangladesh's experience in modern farm technology, quality seed production, agricultural research and skills development. He also praised the contribution of Bangladeshi farm workers and professionals working on various Maldivian islands.

The High Commissioner expressed Bangladesh's interest in strengthening technology and knowledge exchange, training programmes and institutional cooperation in agriculture. He also discussed the possibility of signing a bilateral memorandum of understanding on agriculture.

In the fisheries discussion, the Maldives' world-famous tuna industry received special attention. The High Commissioner noted that the Maldives is an internationally successful model of sustainable tuna fisheries management.

He said the sector could open up opportunities for Bangladesh in new trade, investment, fish processing, value addition and export cooperation.

Stressing the blue economy and sustainable management of marine resources, both sides discussed prospects for joint research, technical exchange, training and skills development. They also agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries in food security and sea-based economic activity.

The contribution of Bangladeshi fishermen, fisheries workers and farm workers in the Maldives also featured prominently. The High Commissioner proposed specialised training programmes to develop their skills.

Minister Ahmed Shiyam praised the contribution of Bangladesh's workforce and pledged to expand cooperation in fisheries and agriculture further. He proposed setting up a joint coordination mechanism between the two countries to implement future initiatives.

At the end of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to increase practical cooperation in food security, fisheries, agriculture and the blue economy and to further strengthen the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and the Maldives.

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