Bangladesh is optimistic about the possibility of starting contract farming in South Sudan by its expatriates.
South Sudan agreed in principle to consider a proposal to allow Bangladeshis for contract farming there, foreign ministry officials said on Tuesday.
The discussion took place when a high-level South Sudanese delegation comprising deputy minister of foreign affairs, deputy minister of defence and high officials of trade and commerce ministry met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen here on Monday.
In the meeting, Dr Momen proposed that both sides might conclude agreements in the areas like agriculture, including contract farming, visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passport, promotion and protection of investment, cooperation in trade and bilateral consultations between foreign ministries of both countries.
Dr Momen suggested establishing contract farming by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture which could be mutually beneficial.
It was agreed that draft agreements from Bangladesh side would be forwarded to the South Sudanese side for their consideration, ministry officials said.
The minister said South Sudan could get ships and barges fabricated in Bangladesh through joint collaboration.
Both countries may establish cooperation in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology and ICT sectors, he added.
The Sudanese side expressed appreciation for Bangladesh's engagement in South Sudan in infrastructure building and rehabilitation areas apart from participation in peacekeeping in South Sudan, officials concerned said.
The delegation particularly underlined the scope for cooperation between the two countries in health, education, IT and ICT, social development, agriculture, education, climate change and UN peacekeeping areas.
Bangladesh contingents are deployed in the UN peacekeeping Mission in UNMISS in South Sudan.
The South Sudanese deputy minister of foreign affairs said Bangladesh peacekeepers deployed in missions in South Sudan are playing a valuable role in maintaining peace and security in the area.
Dr Momen requested the South Sudanese side to extend support for solution of the Rohingya crisis by means of safe and dignified return of the Rohingya populations to their homeland.
At the end of the meeting, the South Sudanese foreign minister's letter was handed to Dr Momen. It focused on enhancing bilateral ties.
The South Sudanese delegation is due to visit agricultural projects, nursing institutions and few manufacturing industries in Bangladesh.
The visiting delegation also called upon state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam at his office.
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