Bangladesh to send trade delegation to explore potato exports to Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan minister expresses interest in importing potatoes and onions from Bangladesh as Dhaka seeks new markets for agricultural products.
Bangladesh will soon send a trade delegation to Sri Lanka to assess the potential for exporting potatoes to the country, while also exploring opportunities to export onions.
The plan was discussed at a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Commerce, Industry and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandkar Abdul Muktadir and Sri Lankan Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe at the 11th Belt and Road Summit 2026 in Hong Kong today (10 September), according to a press release.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the summit's second day.
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The two sides discussed Bangladesh's agricultural production capacity, potato prices in Sri Lanka and challenges in regional supply chains.
Muktadir said Bangladesh produces a surplus of potatoes and onions even after meeting domestic demand, making it necessary to explore new export markets.
He added new potatoes are currently selling for Tk25-Tk30 per kilogram in Bangladesh's retail market and argued that relatively low production costs and competitive prices could create opportunities for Bangladeshi potatoes in Sri Lanka.
Wasantha Samarasinghe expressed interest in importing potatoes and onions from Bangladesh, saying stronger regional trade could benefit people across the region.
It was decided that a Bangladeshi trade delegation, including representatives of the Potato Association, would visit Sri Lanka to assess demand, prices and commercial prospects for potatoes.
The delegation will hold meetings with local traders, food processors and other relevant business associations, according to the statement.
The Bangladeshi commerce minister also urged the country's private sector to establish a long-term presence in the Sri Lankan market.
He said maintaining export markets would require consistent supplies of quality products throughout the year while keeping prices competitive.
The feasibility of establishing warehousing and other infrastructure facilities in Sri Lanka may also be examined, he said.
The two sides expressed hope that the initiative would create a new export market for Bangladeshi agricultural products while helping farmers secure better prices for their produce.
Sri Lankan consumers could also benefit from access to potatoes at comparatively affordable prices, according to the release.
