China could become a major export market for mangoes and for jute and jute goods produced in Bangladesh. But for that, China's ambassador in Dhaka, Yao Wen, advised implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in the country and improving product development, storage and supply systems.

The Chinese ambassador paid a courtesy call on Mahbubul Alam, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), in Gulshan in the capital on Monday (18 December). He spoke highly of Bangladesh's mangoes and jute and pointed to this potential.

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said work with China on the matter would begin quickly, involving all member associations and stakeholders. He said China is one of Bangladesh's main development partners and its contribution to the country's socio-economic development is undeniable. Trade relations between the two countries have improved over the past few decades, but a large trade deficit remains. In this situation, he called on China to import more goods from Bangladesh and increase investment in the special economic zones.

The business leader also drew the ambassador's attention to removing visa complications for Bangladeshi businesspeople and entrepreneurs travelling to China, and sought Chinese expertise and technical cooperation to build a skilled workforce in the country.

Ambassador Yao Wen assured him that the Chinese government would continue its cooperation in Bangladesh's economic development, including human resource development, reducing the trade deficit and easing visa complications.

Praising Bangladesh's initiative to set up 100 special economic zones, he said infrastructure development has been completed in several of them. If energy and water supplies are arranged quickly in these zones, Chinese entrepreneurs are ready to set up industries there.

At the meeting, Ambassador Yao Wen stressed strengthening ties between Bangladeshi and Chinese businesspeople, and invited an FBCCI business delegation to visit China.

Also present were FBCCI Vice President Md Munir Hossain, Secretary General Md Alamgir, Ambassador Moysud Mannan, consultant to the FBCCI's International Affairs Wing, and Chui Yifeng, first secretary of the Chinese embassy in Dhaka, among others.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.