Bangladesh and Botswana agreed to exchange technical knowledge and training in agriculture, fisheries and aqua-culture areas during a bilateral meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam and Botswana Minister of Agriculture Mr. Fidelis M. Malao in Gaborone. 

Both sides also hoped to identify potential areas of cooperation in agriculture, livestock and fisheries areas.

State Minister Md Shahriar Alam, who is on a two-day official bilateral visit to Botswana, met with Botswana's Minister of Agriculture Fidelis M Malao in Gaborone on Friday, said a press release here today.

The state minister appraised the Botswana side about the remarkable achievements of Bangladesh in the agriculture sector during the last decade. 

Highlighting Bangladesh's ability of huge production of food staples, vegetables, fisheries, poultry and livestock in its small amount of land, he proposed the Botswana side to consider contract farming by the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in the unutilized agricultural land of Botswana.

The Botswana side expressed keen interest for concluding the MoU on cooperation in agriculture and contract farming between Bangladesh and Botswana. 

Underlining the need for establishing contacts between the agricultural experts and producers of the two countries Mr. Fidelis M. Malao invited an agricultural expert delegation from Bangladesh to visit Botswana.

The state minister also met with the academics of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the university campus. 

During the meeting, the university authority opined that both sides may exchange knowledge in horticulture, food security, nutrition and veterinary areas. 

Shahriar Alam mentioned the remarkable achievement of Bangladesh in the agriculture sector and proposed that cooperation may be forged between Bangladesh and Botswana agricultural institutes. 

Both sides agreed to sign a MoU on cooperation in agriculture and livestock areas and to exchange visits of agricultural experts.

The state minister also joined an exchange of opinion meeting organized by the Bangladesh Association in Botswana in the evening on Friday (10 February 2023). 

Shahriar Alam in his speech highlighted the tremendous achievements of Bangladesh under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He advised the Bangladesh community members to continue their valuable contribution to Bangladesh and Botswana as well.

The state minister was accompanied by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to South Africa and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.