China has expressed interest in importing Bangladesh's national fish, hilsa. Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen expressed this interest during a meeting with Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday (February 27).
The meeting discussed various aspects of developing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China, expanding trade and increasing investment. Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin said that China is one of Bangladesh's major development partners and the two countries have long-standing friendly relations. There is an opportunity to further strengthen this relationship through increasing investment.
Citing the trade deficit between Bangladesh and China, Bashir Uddin called for increasing imports of Bangladeshi goods as well as reducing tariffs on imported goods. He also said it is important to increase Chinese investment in Bangladesh, especially in agricultural modernization and truck manufacturing sectors, which will be beneficial for both countries.
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin.
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said that China has a huge demand for Bangladeshi hilsa fish and has initially expressed interest in importing 1,000 metric tons of hilsa. In addition, China wants to increase investment in these sectors, along with importing mangoes, jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh.
He further said that 30 Chinese companies have already expressed interest in investing in the Chittagong Economic Zone, which will further enrich the commercial relations between the two countries.
Also present at the meeting was Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce Md. Abdur Rahim Khan.
