The DA-BAFS hosted a 12-member delegation from the Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Limited (BIFFL) as part of their overseas study tour for the Food Value Chain Improvement Project (FVCIP) funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The meeting, held on November 17, 2025, focused on the BAFS’s standard research, development, and promotion process, including those related to organic agriculture and the crucial role of science-based standards in strengthening the agri-food sector.
BIFFL, a specialized financial institution under the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh, is spearheading initiatives to boost sustainable agricultural development and enhance food processing systems in their country. Their study tour aims to gain insights into food safety management systems, agri-processing practices, international collaboration, and potential business linkages with partner countries.
During the meeting, BAFS presented its mandate and guided the delegation through its end-to-end standards development process—from research and development to promotion, adoption, assessment, and organic agriculture. The discussions highlighted the importance of science-based standards in improving the food value chain, promoting consumer safety, and supporting the competitiveness of agri-fisheries products.
The delegation, composed of senior government officials, business leaders, and BIFFL representatives, recognized the Philippines as an ideal partner, citing the country’s remarkable achievements in agricultural development and food processing. They expressed a strong interest in exploring further collaboration opportunities with the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies.
This meeting marks a meaningful step toward deeper cooperation between the Philippines and Bangladesh, reinforcing shared goals of strengthening food systems, ensuring food safety, and fostering sustainable agricultural growth.
