Photo: Collected

DHAKA, May 17, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Food and Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari today urged  New Zealand to cooperate in safe food management and capacity building.

The state minister made the request when a delegation led by David Pine, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Bangladesh, made a courtesy call on him at the Food Ministry. 

The State Minister informed the delegation about various initiatives taken by the government to ensure food security in Bangladesh. 

He said, "Ensuring safe food for all people of the country is one of the government's biggest challenges. The government is working tirelessly to achieve this goal." 

He further said New Zealand could consider increasing imports of ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, leather, and leather goods from Bangladesh.

He noted that the quality of Bangladeshi products in these sectors and their competitiveness in the international market have significantly increased, which can play an important role in expanding bilateral trade.
 
The State Minister requested the New Zealand side to take necessary steps to increase opportunities for Bangladeshi students to enroll in the universities in their country.

During the meeting, discussions were also held on expanding existing economic and trade relations between Bangladesh and New Zealand, and enhancing mutual cooperation on various issues, including food security and food management. 

The New Zealand High Commissioner thanked the State Minister and highly praised the government's success in Bangladesh's socio-economic development and food management. 

He said, New Zealand has a long-standing, strong, and friendly bilateral relationship with Bangladesh. 

Melanie Phillips (Councillor, Agriculture) from New Zealand, Honorary Councillor Shamsul Alam Mallik, Food Secretary Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana, and senior officials of the Ministry of Food were present in the meeting.