Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said the visit of the largest-ever business delegation in Bangladesh from China, led by Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, later this month would send a ‘strong signal’ of openness, cooperation and mutual benefit, and will elevate the Bangladesh-China economic and trade relations to a new level.
“We are confident that this visit will send a strong signal of openness, cooperation and mutual benefit, and will elevate China-Bangladesh economic and trade relations to a new level,” he said at a programme here, adding that Chinese Minister of Commerce will lead more than 100 Chinese investors to visit Bangladesh at the end of this month.
During the visit, the two sides will co-host a trade and investment exchange event, where hundreds of Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises will engage and explore more cooperation opportunities.
Ambassador Yao said the 15th meeting of the Bangladesh-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission will be held to agree on concrete measures to further our economic and trade cooperation.
Mangoes, Hilsa to Hit Chinese Market Soon
He said they are also accelerating the exportation of Bangladeshi mangoes to
China.
By early June this year, the Ambassador said, the first batch of fresh mangoes will be on the Chinese market.
On top of that, he said, procedures for importing Bangladeshi jackfruit and guava are also ongoing.
"We hope that Bangladesh can soon open up Hilsa exports to China—after all, Chinese
foodies can’t wait to enjoy this delicious fish on their dining tables," said the Ambassador.
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As more of Bangladesh’s quality agri-products make their way to China, and as more Chinese companies bring investment and innovation to this vibrant land, the Ambassador said they will absolutely see something incredible happen!
"Bangladesh’s industries will grow stronger, supply chains will become more robust, and—most importantly—people’s lives will be better with new opportunities and greater prosperity," he said, adding, "This is what we could do together, for our shared future."
The Ambassador said China’s support for Bangladesh’s development is a genuine and straightforward commitment. "It will always remain unchanged regardless of shifting circumstances."
He said China is the largest investor in Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government.
China has granted zero tariff treatment to 100% of Bangladeshi taxable items exported to China and promised to extend this preferential policy to 2028, two years after the graduation from the LDC status.
Since last August, over 15 Chinese companies have signed investment agreements with Bangladesh, with a total intended investment of around 400 million USD.
More than 30 companies have signed letters of investment intent with the Chittagong Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the country lecture on ‘Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations: Towards a New Height’ at the BIISS auditorium.
BIISS Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered welcome remarks while its Chairman AFM Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the session. Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives, Bangladesh Imtiaz Ahmed made a presentation.
Senior officials from different ministries, serving and retired military officials, diplomatic missions, media, researchers, academicians and students from various universities, representatives from different think tanks, international organisations, participated in the country lecture and shared their opinions, comments, suggestions, and observations during the open discussion session.
In the Lecture, participants expressed their firm belief that as Bangladesh progresses toward its development goals and China continues its global outreach, the next chapter of this relationship promises even greater collaboration and mutual prosperity.
By embracing innovation, trust and shared vision, they said, Bangladesh and China can forge a future that benefits their peoples and the broader Asian region.