Bangladesh Seeks US Food Testing Support

Bangladesh has sought US technical assistance to improve the quality testing of imported rice and wheat and strengthen long-term grain storage systems. Food Minister Afroza Khanam requested American experts and technical support to enhance food testing capacity at Chattogram and Mongla ports. The discussions focused on food safety, modern testing capabilities and improved grain preservation.

On Sunday, October 25, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on the food minister at her office in the Secretariat. Khanam welcomed the ambassador to the Ministry of Food. The meeting covered several issues of mutual interest to the two countries.

The food minister sought US technical assistance to ensure food safety in Bangladesh. In particular, she requested American experts and technical support to strengthen the capacity to test the quality of imported rice and wheat at Chattogram and Mongla ports.

The meeting also addressed the challenges of storing food grains over extended periods under Bangladesh’s climatic conditions. Khanam said long-term storage, particularly of rice and wheat, presents various challenges. The two sides discussed how US expertise in grain storage technology and management could help address these difficulties.

In response, Christensen thanked the minister and praised her work. He said the possibility of cooperation from US experts on technical assistance for food safety would be considered.

The two sides also discussed wheat imports from the United States to Bangladesh. Both expressed satisfaction that imports had been completed within the timeframe specified in the agreement and that no problems had arisen.

During the meeting, Khanam also shared her recent experience of inspecting a wheat-carrying vessel imported from the United States at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port.

Those present included US Agricultural Attaché Erin Covert, Food Secretary Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, Department of Food Director General Md Jasim Uddin Khan, and senior officials from the Ministry of Food and relevant departments.

The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States in food security, quality testing of imported grains and the development of long-term storage systems. However, no specific agreement or technical assistance programme was announced as finalised.

//DBTech/DPO/SME/MIST//