Bangladesh and China signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Saturday to bolster trade and technological cooperation.

The MoUs were signed  following a bilateral meeting between Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

The meeting was held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, where Adviser Bashir Uddin urged China to support Bangladesh’s agricultural sector by sharing drone technology, emphasising its transformative potential.

“Revolutionary changes can be brought to fertilizer application, seed sowing, pesticide spraying, and crop monitoring through drone technology,” he said, adding that China’s expertise could play a crucial role in modernising Bangladesh’s agriculture.

Minister Wang Wentao responded positively, expressing China’s readiness to expand cooperation in both technology and investment.

Surprise unlikely in upcoming budget: Debapriya

“China is ready to assist Bangladesh in agriculture and digital technology. In particular, we can help to increase productivity through smart agriculture and drone technologies,” he said.

The Bangladesh adviser also sought Chinese support in introducing modern fishing vessels and related technologies to strengthen the country’s marine fisheries sector.

He highlighted the need for advanced trawlers and fish processing systems to tap into Bangladesh’s marine resources effectively.

In reply, Minister Wang reiterated China’s willingness to collaborate in the development of fisheries and marine resources.

 “China is prepared to provide the necessary support to Bangladesh in harvesting marine resources and enhancing the fisheries sector,” he noted.

The two sides also discussed broader cooperation in trade, investment and technological advancement.

Of the two MoUs signed during the meeting, one pertains to the formation of a Joint Working Group to promote free trade, while the other focuses on cooperation in the field of e-commerce.

Commerce Adviser Bashir signed on behalf of Bangladesh and Minister Wang Wentao signed on behalf of China.

The Chinese delegation included Yao Wen, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh; the Director General of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation; and the Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs under China’s Ministry of Commerce.

The Bangladeshi side comprised the Commerce Secretary, the Industries Secretary, the Agriculture Secretary, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, and other senior officials.