Agro Products Business Promotion Council (APBPC)

Agro Products Business Promotion Council (APBPC)

Agriculture is the most important sector of Bangladesh's economy. (80% of the population 66% of the labor force) is engaged in agriculture. Agro Products sub-sector is a highly potential sector for export from Bangladesh that is providing strong supports to the economy. Agriculture till now is the main occupational activity in the rural areas as most of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood and employment. A small stimulation for export orientation will boost-up the rural economy and lead to improved quality of life.

With a view to promote the Agro products of the country, Ministry of Commerce has formed the Council on June 16, 2011 titled "Agro Products Business Promotion Council (APBPC)" in partnership with the public and private sector. Honorable Secretary, Ministry of Commerce is the ex-officio chairman of the council, while Vice chairman of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is the 1st Vice chairman and president, Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables & Allied Products Exporters Association (BFVAPEA) represents in the 2nd Vice chairman position of the 36 member council. The other government offices and business associations are related to Agro products is the member of the council.

Bangladesh is primarily an agrarian economy. Agriculture is the single largest producing sector of economy since it comprises about 30% of the country's GDP and employing around 66% of the total labor force. The performance of this sector has an overwhelming impact on major macroeconomic objectives like employment generation, poverty alleviation, human resources development and food security.

Meeting the nation's food requirements remains the key objective of the government and in recent years there has been substantial increase in grain production. Rice, Jute, Sugarcane, Potato, Pulses, Wheat, Tea, Tobacco, Oilseed, Spices and Fruit are the principal crops. Few of the products of this sector are currently exported in different countries with immense global competition. The growth and diversification of Agro products largely depends on the policy support, public-private joint initiative for institutional and financial support, availability of technical and business information, innovation and sustainable development of technology and related products, capacity development of industries, research and development facilities and removal of other barriers relating to the agricultural sector.

In the present context of globalization, the ministry of commerce has taken initiative as part of the development and diversification strategy to increase industrial base and volume of foreign trade. The Agro sector also plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of the Bangladesh.

Agro Products Business Promotion Council

Ministry of Commerce

BFIDC Building (8th Floor)

73, Motijheel Commercial Area

Dhaka - 1000, Bangladesh

Tel: +880-(0)2-9514434, 9514435

Fax: 088-02-7117003

E-mail: bpc@intechworld.net