The Netherlands is interested to support Bangladesh in agro-processing and the country's farm product exports.
The two countries will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) soon on the matter aiming to increase mutual cooperation in the agriculture sector.
It was revealed on Monday at a meeting between Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque and Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Anne Gerard van Leeuwen, said a press release issued by the Agriculture Ministry on the day.
During the meeting, Mr Razzaque noted that though Bangladesh has achieved a tremendous success in agricultural production, the country is still lagging in farm-produce export and agro-processing.
Bangladesh has a lot of potential for exports and processing of mango, pineapple, banana, tomato, potato and many vegetables, he said, adding that the Netherlands can support Bangladesh with technical assistance in this regard.
The minister also sought cooperation from The Hague for setting up a modern pack house and testing lab in Dhaka's Purbachal area.
Mr Razzaque also sought increased Dutch investments in the country's agriculture sector.
The Dutch ambassador said his country would sign a MoU with Bangladesh soon to enhance cooperation in agriculture.
He said initiatives will also be taken to involve the private sector of the Netherlands in the process.
The two nations will work together on Plant Variety Protection, Agricultural Transformation Program (ATP), Phytosanitary Certificates, Testing Labs and linking the private sector in the initiative.
Besides, the two countries have agreed to send a trade mission from the Netherlands to Bangladesh and an expert mission from Bangladesh to the north European country to identify areas for cooperation in the agri sector.
Senior Secretary of the Agriculture Ministry Md Mesbahul Islam and First Secretary of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dhaka Folkart de Jager also spoke at the meeting.
