Finance
Bangladesh-Philippines The Philippines will co-operate in the production of exportable pineapple and G-9 bananas
Dhaka, March 12: The Philippines will assist in the production of high quality exportable pineapple varieties MD-2, G-Nine banana, Delmon tea and Macapuno coconut in Bangladesh. A memorandum of understanding will be signed between Bangladesh and the Philippines soon. The information was given during a meeting between Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzak and Philippine Agriculture Minister William D. Darr before the closing day session of the 36th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka on Friday.
Cultivation has already started in Bangladesh by importing 3 lakh pineapple seedlings of MD 2 variety from Philippines. Another 4 lakh saplings are in the process of being brought. The Minister of Agriculture of the Philippines said that pineapple saplings of this variety would be given to Bangladesh at a lower price and easier terms than before. The two ministers also agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in agriculture, including the export of delicious G-9 bananas, tea and paddy.
Philippine Agriculture Minister William D. Darr lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for working with utmost importance for the development of agriculture in the country. He said that under his leadership, agriculture, economy and human resources of Bangladesh are now in a strong position.
Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzak called upon the Philippines to import high yielding Brie Paddy-89 from Bangladesh. The Philippine minister said they had already approved the cultivation of golden rice in the country. Seed production is now underway. They will share their experience and cooperation with Bangladesh in this regard.
Later, Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzak had a meeting with Sri Lankan Agriculture Minister Mithalawe Mahinda Aluthgamez. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Agriculture Minister expressed interest in importing potatoes from Bangladesh. At the same time, the Minister of Agriculture of Bangladesh urged to increase mutual cooperation with the Coconut Research Center of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has two memoranda of understanding for cooperation with Bangladesh in the field of agriculture. During the meeting, the two ministers agreed to adopt an action plan for the implementation of the MoU.
The Sri Lankan Agriculture Minister expressed interest in exporting tea and cinnamon to Bangladesh and importing potatoes from Bangladesh through barter system. He said they have a barter system with China.
