February 23: Bangladesh imported dairy products worth US$ 370.24 million (Rs 42.45 billion) in 2018, according to ITC Trademap.

Ninety five percent of the imported dairy products were powder milk. Bangladesh imported 59 percent of powder milk from New Zealand. Nepal can supply dairy products to Bangladesh to meet its demand worth Rs 42 billion if the eastern hills of the country are developed into dairy farms with assurance of export facility. For this, the government needs to encourage dairy farmers, provide them with grant and waive tax for a certain period. The government must also give quality assurance and then sign B2B and G2G agreements with Bangladesh.