While Bangladesh has been making significant progress across a number of sectors -- which is indeed how any nation aspiring to take the next logical step in its economic journey should fare -- there is no questioning that agriculture continues to be the sector we are best known for. Owing to Bangladesh's fertile lands and extreme population density, we have little choice but to ensure that our agriculture sector remains as productive as possible.
In addition, Bangladesh's efforts with regard to diplomacy have been well documented; guided by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's advice of “friendship to all and malice towards none” we have continued to build stronger ties with nations across the planet -- and it is the foreign policy strategy that continues to serve us well.
To that end, it is encouraging to see both diplomacy and agriculture come together, as Bangladesh looks to establish stronger ties with the Democratic Republic of Congo with regard to contract farming.
Under this proposed agreement, Bangladeshi businesses that are interested in contract farming in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will receive support including assistance with land selection, hiring Bangladeshi labourers, transferring technical services and agricultural supplies, and managing the distribution network.
Of course, this can be just the start of exploring all the ways the two nations can collaborate and enrich their partnership. Moreover, Bangladesh will also be in a unique position of being able to offer lessons to a nation such as the DRC, and further solidify itself as a leader and role model for developing nations. Bangladesh must continue exploring such partnerships, while simultaneously leveraging its strengths.