For the development of Bangladesh’s agriculture sector and to assist the stakeholders and entrepreneurs, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has opened an “Agro Service Desk” at its office on Sunday.
DCCI Senior Vice President Kamrul Islam FCA inaugurated the desk.
DCCI has established the desk with the support of USAID’s Agriculture Value Chain (AVC) Project.
During the inauguration program Kamrul Islam said the contribution of agriculture to GDP in Bangladesh is 14.75% and it employs 40.6% (around 24.5 million people) of the total employment.
“Our export earnings from agro-food reached $553 million in 2016-2017 which is only 1.59% of total export basket,” said the senior vice president.
“Bangladesh has set a target to achieve $1 billion from agro-food exports by 2021,” he added.
Kamrul further said, “Global Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) is an internationally recognized standard practiced by farmers or producers, by which we can ensure safety and quality food chain, capture new market advantages, improve workers’ health and working conditions, and create new market opportunities for farmers/exporters in developing countries.
“GAP and other standards need to be strictly maintained to enter into the world market, especially the European and US market.”
From ‘DCCI Agro Service Desk’ procedures of getting Global Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) license and certificate, diversification of agro-products, technological assistance, export market exploration, sharing of Global GAP standard and practice, and information regarding Global GAP will be provided.
DCCI is the local partner of Global GAP.
USAID’s AVC Project Chief of Party Paul Bundick, DCCI Vice President Riyadh Hossain and Global GAP representative Lisa Heinemann were present at the program.
