This includes cooperating with Saskatchewan and Canadian ag stakeholders including Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre and the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute.
“As a result of opening this office in Dhaka, (Saskatchewan’s) technology and experience can be utilized,” said Dr. Abdur Razzak, Bangladesh’s minister of agriculture, the Dhaka Tribune reported. “Cooperation between Bangladesh and Canada in the field of agriculture will be further strengthened.”
Opening GIFS’ office comes more than a year after provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit traveled to the country as part of a three-country tour in February 2020. The trip also included India and the United Arab Emirates.
While in Bangladesh, Minister Marit attended a Memorandum of Understanding signing with local and GIFS officials.
The GIFS office presents new opportunities for both countries, Marit said while joining the opening ceremony virtually.
“"The establishment of this office would further enhance cooperation between the two countries in the agricultural sector,” he said. “We need to work together to meet the food needs of a growing population and make its food security sustainable. To this end, we will work together."
Bangladesh is one of Saskatchewan’s top 10 markets. In 2020, almost $613 million worth of Saskatchewan products were exported to Bangladesh.
Major Saskatchewan ag exports to the country include wheat, soybeans, lentils, peas and canola seed.