The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Secretariat and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 05 March 2023 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
H.E. Tenzin Lekphell, Secretary General of BIMSTEC and Dr. Johan Swinnen, Director General of IFPRI and Managing Director, Systems Transformation, CGIAR, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the respective organizations to formalize the partnership between the BIMSTEC Secretariat and the IFPRI.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focuses on conducting research and facilitating capacity sharing in order to explore the full agricultural potential of the BIMSTEC region. Through this collaboration, BIMSTEC Secretariat and IFPRI will work together to enhance food security, nutrition, agricultural productivity, and rural development and trade in the region as well as the sustainable and inclusive transformation of food systems.
Acknowledging the untapped trade potential of the BIMSTEC region, Secretary General Lekphell observed that by working with BIMSTEC, IFPRI can leverage its expertise and knowledge to help the region address its challenges more effectively.
Dr. Swinnen, in his remarks said that IFPRI is delighted to engage in this partnership and work with the BIMSTEC Secretariat as well as member countries’ research institutions on capacity sharing initiatives along with outreach and policy communications through cross-country learning and idea exchange.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Mashiur Rahman, the Economic Affairs Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh and as well as Mr. Shabbir Ahmad, the Secretary Bilateral (West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. Dr. Purvi Mehta of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) addressed the event virtually.
The IFPRI is a research-based institute that develops policy solutions to reduce hunger and malnutrition in developing countries. Founded in 1975, IFPRI presently has more than 500 employees operating in over 70 countries and collaborates with a wide range of partners. It is a CGIAR research center, the world’s biggest agricultural innovation network.IFPRI’s regional and country programs play a critical role in responding to the demand for food policy research and in delivering holistic support for country-led development.