Dhaka, Jan 29 (V7N) —The Brazilian ambassador to Bangladesh, Paulo Fernando Dias Feres, met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to discuss issues relating to the upcoming national election and bilateral cooperation.
The over-hour-long meeting, which began at around 11am on Tuesday, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan.
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obed were also present at the meeting.
Briefing reporters about the outcome of the meeting, Khosru said: “We had an in-depth discussion on the current bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Brazil and the various possibilities for strengthening them further.”
In response to a question, he added that they also discussed Bangladesh’s forthcoming national election, with Brazil expressing its desire for the election to take place.
Khosru mentioned that they had discussed Brazil’s cooperation in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, including cattle farming and increasing meat and milk production.
The BNP leader said: “Brazil holds a very strong position in agriculture, and we import many agricultural commodities from Brazil, including sugar.”
He further said that Bangladesh exports garments and pharmaceutical products to Brazil but acknowledged there is potential to further enhance these exports.
Khosru also mentioned that they raised the issue of Brazil’s cooperation in improving Bangladesh’s sports sector, particularly football.
The meeting also covered expanding cooperation in the cultural sector and promoting cultural exchanges.
Khosru said that trade between the two countries exceeds $2 billion, with the balance of payments currently in Brazil’s favor.
Khosru further said: “So, we need to increase exports to Brazil, particularly in garments and pharmaceuticals.”
He also urged the Brazilian envoy to lift the existing embargo on the export of Bangladesh’s jute to Brazil.
The BNP leader said: “If we can increase exports of garments, pharmaceuticals, and jute to Brazil, the balance of payments could either be balanced or shift in our favor.”
Khosru emphasized that they encouraged the Brazilian envoy to facilitate increased investment in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, especially in cattle and milk production.
He also mentioned that Brazil is keen to export red meat to Bangladesh and set up a warehouse here to meet local demand at lower prices.
Additionally, Brazil is eager to transfer technology to help Bangladesh produce meat and milk more cost-effectively.
END/MSS/AJ
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