Tuku seeks stronger Bangladesh-Italy ties in blue economy

Bangladesh and Italy have expressed interest in expanding bilateral cooperation in fisheries, livestock, aquaculture, marine fisheries and the blue economy, including through a possible memorandum of understanding.

The issue was discussed at a bilateral meeting between State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku and Luigi D’Eramo, Italian Undersecretary of State for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, in Rome on the sidelines of an event at the Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters.

Tuku highlighted the importance of the fisheries and livestock sectors in ensuring food security, nutrition, employment and livelihoods in Bangladesh.

He said fish and livestock farmers would soon be brought under the government’s “Farmer Card” scheme, allowing them to receive government incentives similar to those available to crop farmers.

The state minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a sustainable, climate-resilient and technology-driven aquaculture ecosystem.

He said cooperation with Italy could be expanded through advanced technology transfer, research, specialised training and the exchange of expertise.

The two sides also expressed interest in signing a memorandum of understanding to broaden cooperation in fisheries, livestock and the blue economy.
They agreed to hold follow-up discussions at the official level to begin the necessary procedures for expanding the collaboration.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy A T M Rokibul Haque, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Joint Secretary Md Saiful Islam and Economic Counsellor Md Al Amin attended the meeting, among others.