Bangladesh will soon send a trade delegation to Sri Lanka to assess the market potential for exporting potatoes and explore opportunities to export onions, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Thursday.

The decision was taken at a bilateral meeting between Muktadir and Sri Lankan Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security Wasantha Samarasinghe on the sidelines of the 11th Belt and Road Summit 2026 in Hong Kong.

The meeting discussed Bangladesh’s agricultural production capacity, potato prices in the Sri Lankan market and challenges in regional supply chains.

Muktadir said Bangladesh has a significant surplus of potatoes and onions after meeting domestic demand, making it necessary to develop new export markets for the products.

He said potatoes are currently selling for Tk 25 to Tk 30 per kg in Bangladesh and have export potential in Sri Lanka due to their comparatively low production costs and competitive prices.

Samarasinghe expressed interest in importing potatoes and onions from Bangladesh, saying stronger regional trade will bring positive outcomes for people across the region.

The trade delegation, comprising representatives of the Potato Association, will assess demand, prices and commercial prospects for potatoes in the Sri Lankan market.

It will also hold meetings with local traders and relevant trade bodies, including the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association.

Muktadir urged Bangladesh’s private sector to establish a long-term presence in the Sri Lankan market, saying sustained exports will require a year-round supply of quality products at competitive prices.

He said the possibility of setting up warehouses and other infrastructure in Sri Lanka will also be explored if necessary.

The initiative is expected to create a new export market for Bangladeshi agricultural products while helping farmers secure fair prices for potatoes and providing Sri Lankan consumers with relatively affordable supplies.