Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus requested Dutch assistance during talks with Prime Minister Dick Schoof at UN headquarters in New York. The meeting focused on water management cooperation, ocean research initiatives, and efforts to maintain navigable waterways across Bangladesh. Yunus emphasized the Netherlands' expertise in flood control, river management, and maritime technologies. He specifically asked for Dutch support to build cold storage systems in Bangladeshi villages.
The request addresses significant agricultural losses affecting millions of small farmers who cannot preserve harvests during peak seasons. Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of produce deteriorate annually due to inadequate storage infrastructure, creating substantial financial hardships for rural communities. Yunus highlighted growing global demand for Bangladeshi mangoes, jackfruits, and guavas, but noted that export expansion requires advanced preservation methods. Prime Minister Schoof agreed to examine these proposals and expressed interest in textile sector partnerships.
The request addresses significant agricultural losses affecting millions of small farmers who cannot preserve harvests during peak seasons. Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of produce deteriorate annually due to inadequate storage infrastructure, creating substantial financial hardships for rural communities. Yunus highlighted growing global demand for Bangladeshi mangoes, jackfruits, and guavas, but noted that export expansion requires advanced preservation methods. Prime Minister Schoof agreed to examine these proposals and expressed interest in textile sector partnerships.
