Bangladesh and Italy have expressed interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation in fisheries and livestock, focusing on aquaculture, livestock production, marine fisheries and the blue economy.
The issue was discussed at a bilateral meeting between State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku and Luigi D’Eramo, Italian Undersecretary of State for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, in Rome on Monday.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of an event at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Sultan Salauddin Tuku highlighted the importance of the fisheries and livestock sectors in ensuring food security, nutrition, employment and livelihoods in Bangladesh.
He said fish and livestock farmers would soon be brought under the government’s “Farmer Card” scheme, allowing them to receive incentives similar to those available to crop farmers.
The state minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to developing a sustainable, climate-resilient and technology-driven aquaculture sector.
He said cooperation with Italy could be expanded through technology transfer, research, specialised training and exchanges of expertise.
Both sides expressed interest in signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in fisheries, livestock and the blue economy.
They agreed to hold follow-up discussions at the official level to initiate the necessary procedures for the proposed MoU.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy ATM Rokibul Haque, Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Joint Secretary Md Saiful Islam and Economic Counsellor Md Al Amin were also present at the meeting.
