Djibouti PM meets Chief Adviser, seeks advice on microfinance

Prime Minister of Djibouti Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus yesterday (13 October) on the sidelines of the World Food Forum at the FAO headquarters.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including enhancing bilateral trade and investment, replicating Bangladesh's successful microfinance model in Djibouti, regional geopolitics and the Rohingya crisis.

Prime Minister Mohamed praised Yunus, calling him a well-known name in Djibouti, and extended an invitation for him to visit the East African nation.

"We need your advice on microfinance," the Djiboutian leader said, expressing keen interest in adopting microfinance strategies in the majority-Muslim country.

In response, CA Yunus welcomed the interest and suggested that Djibouti send a delegation to Bangladesh to gain hands-on experience with its microfinance institutions.

He noted that Bangladeshi microfinance operators offer training throughout the year, which visiting officials could benefit from.

Yunus also emphasised the potential for expanding trade between the two countries, suggesting that Djibouti could import Bangladeshi garments and pharmaceuticals at highly competitive prices.

Djibouti's Minister for Microfinance, who was also present at the meeting, sought advice on various aspects of implementing microfinance systems.

From the Bangladesh side, Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam also attended the meeting.