US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen visited Rajshahi on Tuesday during the peak mango season, touring one of the region’s largest mango markets and meeting growers and traders to learn about the district’s renowned mango industry.

The ambassador, accompanied by a four-member delegation, arrived at Shah Makhdum Airport on a US-Bangla Airlines flight from Dhaka before travelling to Baneshwar Mango Market in Puthia upazila, a major trading hub for mangoes in northern Bangladesh.

During the visit, he toured several wholesale outlets, interacted with farmers and traders, and learned about the different mango varieties produced in the region. He also sampled locally grown mangoes and received briefings on production, marketing and export prospects.

Speaking to journalists, Christensen said it was his first visit to Rajshahi as ambassador, although he had visited the city once in 2020.

“This time, I specifically came during mango season because I wanted to taste Rajshahi’s famous mangoes. I am truly delighted to be here,” he said.

The ambassador noted that he comes from an agricultural state in the United States and values opportunities to visit farming regions and experience agricultural products firsthand.

He also highlighted the export potential of Bangladeshi mangoes, noting that Americans are fond of mangoes but that fresh varieties such as those available in Rajshahi are not commonly found in the US market.

Christensen said improved cold-chain and storage facilities could help expand export opportunities for Bangladeshi mangoes internationally.

Local growers and traders expressed hope that the ambassador’s visit during the mango season would help draw greater international attention to Rajshahi’s mango industry and support efforts to expand exports.