FAO and Bangladesh strengthened their partnership during a high-level meeting at FAO headquarters, where the two sides agreed to deepen work that helps farmers, fishers and small businesses add value to crops and catches while cutting waste and risk. The meeting brought FAO’s Director-General and Bangladesh’s Adviser for Agriculture together to plan clear, practical steps that can make food systems cleaner, safer and more reliable for families and local markets. FAO welcomed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to transforming agrifood systems and highlighted areas where joint work can make a quick, visible difference, including fisheries development, value addition in fruit processing and better handling after harvest so less food is lost on the way to market. Bangladesh’s adviser expressed interest in expanding cooperation through South–South and triangular partnerships, stressing that shared learning with countries facing similar challenges can speed up useful changes. The discussion focused on sensible, hands-on support such as training for workers, simple processing upgrades for small factories, pilot projects that test new ways to store and transport fruit, and improvements in post-harvest care that help protect both quality and income. Both sides spoke about linking these technical steps with stronger market access so farmers and fishers can find buyers who pay fair prices for higher-quality goods. The meeting also pointed to the importance of working with local partners to design solutions that fit village needs and customs, and to include women and young people so benefits spread across communities. FAO officers noted that technical advice, data and practical tools can help governments and businesses invest in resilient systems that reduce risk from weather swings and shifting demand. The plan discussed in the meeting aims to combine on-the-ground work with policy dialogue so changes last and scale up, moving from pilots to wider programs when results are clear. By focusing on value addition, safer production and better post-harvest handling, the partnership seeks to raise incomes, cut waste and support jobs in rural towns and coastal areas. Step-by-step action, local testing and shared learning were presented as the fastest route to real improvements that reach the people who grow and catch food every day. The meeting ended with a shared commitment to keep working together, follow up on pilot ideas and widen cooperation so technical help turns into steady gains for small producersa.
