BD yet to tap into potential of Brazilian animal protein: envoy

Brazilian Ambassador meets Foreign Secretary

Dhaka, Oct 04 - Brazilian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Paulo Fernando Dias Feres, said that Bangladesh has yet to fully explore the potential of accessing Brazilian animal protein, particularly beef.

He suggested that Bangladesh could consider Brazilian meat as a low-cost nutrition option for its people.

Ambassador Feres made the remark during his first courtesy call on Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Thursday, where the topic was discussed.

During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary recalled that Brazil was the first South American country to recognise Bangladesh after its liberation and expressed gratitude for Brazil's continued support in Bangladesh's democratic journey.

He further mentioned that Bangladesh is keen to work with Brazil to strengthen their political and economic ties for the mutual benefit of both the nations, aiming to elevate the existing bilateral relationship to new heights.

The Foreign Secretary praised the Brazilian Ambassador for his contributions to the growing engagement between Bangladesh and Brazil across various sectors in a relatively short period.

Ambassador Feres thanked the Foreign Secretary for the meeting and outlined the mission’s recent achievements. He noted that Bangladesh’s economic growth and its engagement with Brazil, including three Brazilian trade missions to Dhaka and the official visit of the Brazilian Foreign Minister in 2024, have sparked considerable interest in Brazil.

While acknowledging that Bangladeshi entrepreneurs who have engaged with Brazil are performing well despite Brazilian tariffs, the Ambassador encouraged more Bangladeshi businesspeople to visit Brazil and explore business opportunities there.

Recognising Brazil as an economic powerhouse in South America and globally, both sides agreed on the need to reduce the trade gap between the two countries. They expressed strong interest in further cooperation in areas such as agriculture, agro-processing, trade facilitation for Bangladeshi RMG, apparel, and pharmaceutical products, public health systems, regulatory and policy frameworks, capacity building, skill development, and project financing, among others.

Both the parties agreed to increase the exchange of business delegations and trade missions as part of enhancing people-to-people contact.

The Foreign Secretary emphasised the arrangement of the third bilateral political consultation (FOC), which Bangladesh is set to host.

He assured the Ambassador of the Ministry's full support in facilitating engagements with relevant stakeholders.

The Brazilian Ambassador expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ongoing cooperation. Relevant officials from the Ministry were also present at the meeting.-UNB