Madagascar keen to work with Bangladesh on blue economy, ICT

The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar, Ratsimandao Tahirimiakadaza called on Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, AK Abdul Momen, MP at the State Guest House Padma on Tuesday.

The Madagascar Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs was accompanied by official of Madagascar government who are participating at 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers and related meetings.

At the outset of the meeting, the Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen welcomed the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Madagascar to Dhaka.

Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has achieved tremendous socio-economic progress during the last decade.

He mentioned that Bangladesh has expertise in IT & ICT sector and the government is offering various types of digital services to the people.

The Foreign Minister also suggested that both countries may establish cooperation in IT and ICT sector and Madagascar may import RMG and pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh.

The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Madagascar briefed Momen about measures taken by the government of Madagascar in order to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

He congratulated Bangladesh government for the measures undertaken by the government of Bangladesh for containing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

He mentioned that Madagascar and Bangladesh are working together at international platforms on matters of mutual interest.

He commended the role of Bangladesh at IORA in protecting interest of the developing countries.

The Madagascar Permanent Secretary proposed that both countries may establish in cooperation in blue economy including cooperation between maritime universities as well as that in extraction of marine nutrients.

He said that Madagascar government is eager to establish cooperation in IT & ICT sector of the Bangladesh.

He suggested establishing G2G cooperation with Bangladesh in IT and ICT areas.

Recognising the importance of cooperation in agriculture areas both side agreed to establish cooperation in food and agriculture areas including cooperation in seed technology and agricultural production.

Momen suggested that a Fact Finding Mission may go to Madagascar to discuss the possibilities of contract farming opportunities in Madagascar.

He also sought continued support of Madagascar on the Rohingya repatriation issue.

The Permanent Secretary assured of their continued support to Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue. Foreign Minister also sought support of the Madagascar government in favour of the candidature of Bangladesh at the forthcoming IMO election as well as at Humans Right Council.