FBCCI seeks more investment from OIC countries

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers and Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) President Md JashimUddin has urged Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries to invest in different promising sectors of Bangladesh.

“OIC members can explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh in agro-based and agro-processing, jute and jute goods, flower cultivation, commercial plantation, horticulture, silk, furniture, handicrafts, integrated shrimp cultivation, frozen food, different other sectors of our country,” he added.

Jashim came up with the call while giving a presentation at the 1st International Islamic Food Processing Association (IFPA) conference titled 'Intra-OIC Agri-Food Opportunities and Challenges' recently.

In light of the current pandemic situation, there is a need for concerted efforts and collaboration among the OIC states to face the challenges of food security, supply chain, food shortages and price spike, the FBCCI president said, adding that there are immense opportunities to collaborate with Bangladesh in the areas of mechanization of the firm sector, optimizing agri-production cycles (seeds, foods and grains), improving the quality of yield and food products (fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy products), and skill development.

Jashim Uddin also emphasized the development of halal ecosystem through halal standardization, collaboration in halal food processing, halal testing labs and halal certification among OIC countries.

As the member state of OIC, Bangladesh is actively participating in activities of OIC for peace, prosperity and development in the Muslim world, the president said.

He highlighted the Bangladesh government’s development strategies and policy support to ensure self-sufficiency in food grain production.

Yerlan Baidaulet, director-general of the International Organization of Food Security (IOFS) stressed the strategic importance of IOFS as G2G parent of International IFPA, its B2B subsidiary in Intra OIC trade.