The United Kingdom (UK) is considering lifting the ban on import of betel leaf from Bangladesh, agriculture ministry sources said.
The ban was imposed on the Bangladeshi betel leaf in February 2014 by the European Union (EU).
Before the ban, Bangladesh's annual export of betel leaf was worth US$40 million which declined to $2.0 to $5.0 million in recent years, according to the EPB.
EU lifted the ban in April this year after being satisfied with Bangladesh's progress in delivering safe products. However, the UK, the key market for Bangladeshi betel leaf, is yet to remove the ban.
The UK is now thinking of lifting the ban fully following a progress in Bangladesh's psytosanitary structure as well as in supply of safe food.
It was disclosed at a meeting between a Bangladeshi delegation led by Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque and UK Food Standards Agency, held in London, UK on Monday, said a press release issued by the agriculture ministry.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with the UK's Agency to assist in setting up modern testing labs, developing and issuing internationally accepted certification (phytosanitary) of agricultural products to boost exports of agricultural products to European markets including UK.
Professor Robin May, chief scientific adviser of the UK Food Standards Agency, Deputy Government Chemist Selvarani Elahi, head of EU and International Strategy Liz Stratton, FSA Scientific Sampling and Laboratory Policy Leader David Franklin were also present.
"We are working to set up world class modern labs which could provide acceptable certification in Bangladesh," said Dr Razzaque.
"We want to utilise the expertise and capabilities of UK to enrich our export infrastructure," he said. He sought technical assistance from UK in this regard.
The UK delegation said it would seek funding from UNIDO for lab system development in Bangladesh, and would look into whether it could be incorporated with ongoing funding from UK AID.
Saida Muna Tasnim, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to London, said efforts would be made to include lab and phytosanitary issues in the ongoing trade and investment agreement between Bangladesh and the UK.
About betel leaf, the UK delegation said the ban has been withdrawn from Northern Ireland and bills were in consideration in the parliaments of England, Wales and Scotland of UK for lifting the ban.
On the same day, Dr Razzaque also exchanged views with the leaders of the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI) at the Bangladesh Embassy.
Meanwhile, the minister of agriculture urged UK expatriate businessmen to invest in Bangladesh's agricultural sector.
