Kathmandu: H.E. Shafiqur Rahman, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal, spoke at the inaugural session of the First Annual General Assembly and Convention of the Nepal Fisheries Development Association (NFDA) as the Special Guest held in Chitwan on August 7. Hon. Gita Kumari Chaudhary, Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment of Nepal, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his remarks at the inaugural session, the ambassador highlighted Bangladesh’s remarkable gains in the fisheries sector stating that Bangladesh has emerged as one of the world’s leading fisheries producers through its coordinated policy approach, scientific research, private sector collaboration and the dedication of millions of fish farmers and fishers. The Ambassador stressed that the country’s success was driven by modern hatchery development, expansion of aquaculture, community-based management of open-water fisheries, conservation initiatives, improved feed and disease management, technological innovation and close collaboration among government, academia and the private sector.
Highlighting the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and Nepal, Ambassador Rahman noted that the two neighbouring countries are destined by the common ecological linkage, connected through the river systems originating in the Himalayas and shared opportunities for cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture. The Envoy expressed confidence that fisheries could become an important pillar of the growing Bangladesh-Nepal partnership under the new leadership in both countries. In this regard, he shared his thoughts on expanding bilateral collaboration in several key areas, including adaptation of Bangladesh’s successful open-water fisheries enhancement model to Nepal’s wetlands and reservoirs, cooperation in post-harvest fish processing and value addition, technical cooperation and knowledge exchange, joint research, training programmes, exchange of researchers and scientists, fisheries experts, private sector partnerships and investment, and institutional collaboration among universities, research institutes and fisheries associations,
Referring to the growing challenges posed by climate change, the Ambassador stressed the importance of promoting climate-smart and sustainable aquaculture to protect aquatic ecosystems, conserve biodiversity and ensure responsible management of fisheries resources for future generations.
Referring to the Ambassador, the Agriculture Minister commended the views of the Ambassador regarding possible areas of cooperation and expressed readiness to working with Bangladesh.
The Ambassador concluded his remarks by congratulating the Nepal Fisheries Development Association on its historic first convention while wishing the organization every success in its future endeavours.
