Maiden mango export to China initiates export diversification

Bangladesh Wednesday sent the maiden consignment of mangoes to China to open wider avenues of diversifying its export basket and enhance its trade on the vast market, officials said.

Commerce Adviser of the interim government Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Chinese Ambassador in Bangladesh Yao Wen inaugurated the mango-export event at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), amid an ambiance of optimism about trade expansion.

Mr Bashir termed this the beginning of a new journey in the history of fruit export of the country and hoped mango exports could be increased ten times this year.

He also pointed out that the mangoes are entering the Chinese market duty-free under a new trade-facilitation framework, helping address the bilateral trade imbalance and boost agricultural exports.

"This is just the beginning. We are working to open up new markets in Japan and Europe for Bangladeshi agricultural products."

The consignment was sent to Changsha's Hunan Province. The initial shipment consists of 10 tonnes of fresh mangoes, while Bangladesh aims to export up to 100 tonnes to China this season, officials said.

A freighter of Chinese carrier SF Express operated the flight carrying the mangoes, Chinese embassy officials said.

Mr Bashir, a business magnet-turned functionary in charge of commerce ministry, also hopes the upcoming visit of the Chinese commerce minister will pave the way for huge Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

The Chinese minister is leading the biggest-ever business delegation from China to Bangladesh, the commerce advisor told the function.

"He is a very senior figure in the present administration and a significant development as regards trade and investment between the two countries is expected during his visit," he said.

Responding to a question he said the suspension of the transshipment facilities by India for RMG export did not impact the apparel export of Bangladesh.

The government has taken several steps to expand the air-cargo facilities for exporters, he mentioned.

The Chinese Ambassador, Yao Wen, in his address billed this as a 'historic moment'

"The entry of Bangladeshi mangoes to the Chinese market will not only help expand the bilateral trade volume and improve trade imbalances, more importantly, it reflects the mutually beneficial and win-win essence of our economic cooperation," he said.

Grown in the fertile soils of the Ganges Delta, Bangladeshi mangoes represent green and high-quality agricultural produce, he said, adding that for Chinese consumers, it means more diversified choices in the vegetable basket, and will surely enhance people's wellbeing.

"For Bangladesh, the vast potential of the Chinese market will directly drive industrial upgrading in the mango sector, create more employment opportunities, and contribute to Bangladesh's socioeconomic development.

"Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed out on several occasions that China's door of opening up will not close, but will only open wider and wider."

He affirms that the exportation of Bangladeshi mangoes to China is just a starting point as China has already initiated market-access review for Bangladeshi guavas and jackfruits.

"We are also discussing import of raw animal hides from Bangladesh, and look forward to the export of Hilsa to China. I am confident that in the near future, an increasing number of high-quality Bangladeshi agricultural products will be stocked on the shelves of Chinese supermarkets, bringing more tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries."

Referring to 'volatile and unstable' international landscape he said the trade wars unilaterally initiated by the United States have severely disrupted the stability of the global economic order.

"All countries, including China and Bangladesh, call for a peaceful world and a stable international environment. China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to continue upholding mutual respect, mutual support, equality, and win-win cooperation."

About the upcoming visit of Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, he said the minister will lead a delegation consisting of over 100 Chinese companies.

He notes that this visit will be a significant opportunity for business communities of both countries to explore more cooperation opportunities, foster more fruitful outcomes in China-Bangladesh economic and trade cooperation, and thereby "elevate our Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to new heights".

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com