Continuing his visit to Bangladesh, His Excellency Prof. Yerlan Alimzhanuly Baidaulet , the Director General of the Islamic Organization of Food Security (IOFS), accompanied by Mr. Abdula Manafi Mutualo, Advisor at Coordination & Cooperation Department, was received by His Excellency Mr. Mahbubul Alam, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) on 21 August 2023 at their Secretariat to discuss the involvement of local private sector with food security business and issues through the important work of the International Islamic Food Processing Association (IFPA), an IOFS subsidiary.
The highlight of the working visit of the IOFS delegation to FBCCI of was the signing of the Membership Agreement for the Bangladeshi entity to adhere to IFPA with immediate effect, which would allow it the opportunity to facilitate business and cooperation with other private sector entities active in the field of food security from different countries within the geography of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ). Before the solemn moment, the FBCCI President chaired a roundtable to welcome the IOFS Director General, which included the participation of a number of agro-related Bangladeshi Associations that had the chance to exchange views with the guest on how to strengthen the intra-OIC private food sector business.
To the delight of the audience, the IOFS Director General praised Bangladesh for the revolutionary improvement in agro production and added: “We are very proud to have such a member country like Bangladesh. We would like to have strong support and partnership with the private sector in the field of agriculture and food processing.” It is worth mentioning that he also highlighted that the private sector would be involved in IOFS activities not only via IFPA, but also upon National Food Sector Development program and cluster projects.
The IOFS Director General was also received at the headquarters of the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC) for consultations with its Director General, Mr. Hasan Shahriar Kabir, on how to ensure that the progressive nutritional agenda of Bangladesh could be absorbed by the IOFS for sharing with the remaining Member States. As follow-up, a technical meeting is to be held soon to ensure that the two sides consult further on how to jointly collaborate on areas of common interest within the framework of today’s visit and productive exchanges.
It is to be noted that the official visit will end tomorrow with further bilateral meetings with relevant Bangladesh Cabinet Members.