Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are beginning to affect agricultural harvests, raising concerns about lower crop yields and higher food prices, according to a United Nations agency.

The warning highlights how instability around one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes can extend beyond energy markets and affect global food supplies. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for international trade, and prolonged shipping disruptions can increase costs and delay the movement of essential commodities.

Agriculture is particularly vulnerable when disruptions affect the availability and transportation of key inputs, including fuel and fertilizer. Higher costs and delays can put pressure on farmers during important stages of the growing season, potentially reducing yields and increasing production expenses.

If these pressures persist, the consequences could reach consumers through higher prices for food and other agricultural products. Countries that rely heavily on imported agricultural inputs or food supplies may face particular challenges.

The warning comes amid wider concerns about the economic consequences of conflict and shipping insecurity in the Middle East. While the immediate effects may vary by region and crop, prolonged disruption could add to existing pressures on food affordability and supply chains.

The UN agency’s assessment underscores the connection between maritime security, agricultural production and global food prices, highlighting the need to protect trade routes and limit further disruption to essential supplies.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today invited Japanese business conglomerate Marubeni Corporation to invest in Bangladesh’s information technology (IT), fertiliser and energy sectors, highlighting his government’s moves to harness the country’s economic potential and attract domestic and foreign investment.

The Premier made the invitation when a high-level delegation led by Marubeni Corporation President and CEO Masayuki Omoto paid a courtesy call on him at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat this morning, said his Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

During the meeting, the prime minister highlighted the longstanding business ties between Bangladesh and Marubeni in jute products and stressed the need to expand the existing relationship and strengthen cooperation in new sectors, Shadhin said.

The discussions covered investment opportunities in information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, fertiliser and energy, as well as the possibility of establishing a second Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) plant in Bangladesh. The two sides also discussed the potential of Bangladesh’s IT sector, the development of skilled human resources and the country’s prospects for becoming an international service hub.

Tarique Rahman highlighted the government’s plan to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi engineering graduates in IT and cybersecurity. Bangladesh could emerge as a major international service hub by leveraging its skilled workforce, technological capabilities and competitive service offerings, the meeting observed. The possibility of launching an AI-powered data centre in Bangladesh within the next 12 months also came up for discussion, along with potential investment and technological cooperation from Marubeni in the project.

The meeting also discussed expanding the use of modern technologies and AI in agriculture to improve agricultural production and management, including through Marubeni’s potential investment and technical assistance. On fertiliser production, the two sides discussed expanding Marubeni’s existing investment in KAFCO and the possibility of setting up a second KAFCO plant in the country. Marubeni expressed interest in the proposal, Shadhin
said.

The meeting also expressed optimism that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan, once implemented, would further strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Technology Rehan Asif Asad and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr. Md Shakirul Islam Khan were present. Marubeni was represented by its Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Asia Susumu Wakamori and the company’s Country Head in Bangladesh Manabu Sugawara.