Pran Exports Limited (PEL), a local food processing company, signed an export agreement Monday, worth about US$ 1.5 million for 2005-06 fiscal, with Marjook S. Al Harbi Trading EST, a Saudi Arabian company. Pran Chief of Export Hasan Mahbub and Marjook S. Al Harbi representative Omar Farooque signed the agreement on behalf of their respective companies at the National Press Club in the city. Speaking at the signing ceremony Mahbub said presently Pran is operating in more than 64 countries of Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. "We have got a tremendous response for our products in Saudi Arabia and India's north-eastern states", he said. Omar Farooque said the products of Pran-- especially aromatic rice, spices, tea, mustard oil, puffed rice-are getting high popularity in Saudi Arabia. Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Pran Ahsan Khan Chowdhury said Pran has a total of 170 products and thrice acquired National Export Trophy for its performance. "Pran has invested a huge amount in research and development in order to sell its agro-products in the foreign markets", he added. Non-resident Bangladeshis could get the test of local foods through its products like pickles, curry powder, mustard oil and 'morichi gur', he further said. Ahsan has also stressed the need for bonded warehouse facilities, specialised research centre and proper authority to issue health certificate which is necessary in different EU countries. Moreover, high sea-freight and port management charges are also hindering the smooth operation of its export business, he added.
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