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The Dutch government, in collaboration with Bangladeshi and Dutch stakeholders, has initiated the FoodTechBangladesh project. This initiative aims to support Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector and strengthen the friendship between the two nations. Launched in 2022 as a five-year program, the project focuses on enhancing aquaculture practices through knowledge-sharing, technology adoption, and collaboration. The program is co-funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and coordinated by Larive International and LightCastle Partners.
The FoodTechBangladesh consortium comprises four private sector partners. Viqon Water Solutions and De Heus Animal Nutrition represent the Netherlands, while Gemini Seafood and FishTech Ltd. represent Bangladesh. Together, they work to improve fish breeders’ and farmers’ technical performance. The consortium demonstrates best practices and shares advanced knowledge to boost Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector. By adopting cutting-edge technologies and improved protocols, the project aims to enhance productivity and sustainability in aquaculture operations.
As part of its mission, the consortium has established a Centre of Excellence (CoE) with Gemini Seafood in Rupshi, Khulna. This facility, equipped with Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) developed by Viqon Water Solutions, serves multiple purposes. It acts as a hub for research, trials, and demonstrations of best farming practices. The initiative also includes training programs for 200 local farmers and organizing demonstration visits to promote sustainable aquaculture.
On December 11, 2024, the CoE was formally inaugurated at a ceremony in Khulna. Representatives from the consortium and other key stakeholders attended the event.
Mr. Kazi Inam Ahmed, Director of the Gemcon Group, delivered the welcome note. He emphasized the critical role of technology in achieving sustainable aquaculture practices. According to him, the Centre of Excellence is a transformative step toward a resilient and thriving fisheries sector in Bangladesh.
Mr. Zahedul Amin, Director of LightCastle Partners, highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer for inclusive growth. He noted that equipping farmers with best practices and advanced techniques could drive development across the aquaculture value chain.
Mr. Victor Bierbooms, owner of Viqon Water Solutions and lead engineer of the CoE, provided an in-depth overview of the facility’s advanced technologies. He explained how the CoE’s research and trials would address challenges in the aquaculture sector. These efforts aim to enhance productivity and offer a scalable model for sustainable practices.
Dr. Iftakharul Alam, Senior Assistant Secretary at the Department of Fisheries, expressed gratitude to the Dutch Embassy for its support. He underscored the potential of collaborations with universities and research institutions to foster innovation and unlock entrepreneurial opportunities in the aquaculture sector.
His Excellency Andre Carstens, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, inaugurated the CoE by cutting a ribbon. In his remarks, he praised the consortium partners for their dedication and emphasized sustainable farming practices. He described the CoE’s establishment as a testament to the strong relationship between the Netherlands and Bangladesh.
The FoodTechBangladesh project continues to demonstrate the power of international collaboration in transforming Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector, ensuring its growth, sustainability, and long-term impact.
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