‘Investing in agriculture imperative for sustainable growth’
Business Desk :
Investing in agriculture and the market system is not merely an option anymore, but imperative for sustainable growth of the nation, said Agricultural Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque on Thursday.
He also said that through responsible investment in agriculture and food systems, Bangladesh could achieve food security, eradicate poverty, foster social equality, promote economic growth, and ultimately realize sustainable development.
He was speaking as the chief guest at an event titled “Investment for catalyzing sustainable and resilient food systems”, organized by the Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (Gain) in the capital. The event, in collaboration with the three Nordic Embassies in Dhaka – Denmark, Sweden and Norway – focused on highlighting and addressing challenges faced by the private sector in the food and agriculture industry of Bangladesh. “Our main goal is to become self-sufficient in food production and this is the main focus of our five-year plans, visions, and election manifesto,” the minister remarked. He also said that the country is now self-sufficient in producing staple foods and vegetables.
Moreover, the production of maize and other grains is also increasing. In his welcome remarks, NCCI President Tahrin Aman stated that the Nordic and foreign investors see the UNFSS Pathway and N4G commitment as a collaborative framework.
They acknowledge the role of the private sector in achieving goals and consider these commitments an opportunity to align investments with Bangladesh’s sustainable development objectives.
This fosters partnerships for innovation, responsible business practices, and technology transfer, he added. Winnie Estrup Petersen, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh, said on behalf of the Nordic Embassies that Denmark saw great potential in the food, agro and aquaculture industry in Bangladesh and was now engaging in knowledge-sharing with government authorities in food safety and greening value chains.
Bangladesh has come a long way in various positive changes including rural development, export diversification. The NCCI can be the best platform for Bangladesh in business development, she added.
