China to start importing mangoes from Bangladesh this year
Dhaka-Beijing direct flights from July likely: Envoy
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China is planning to import mangoes from Bangladesh this year, said Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Mr Yao Wen on Monday.
Addressing a programme in the city, the envoy also said that talks are underway for launching direct flights between Dhaka and Beijing from mid-July this year.
He also mentioned that China is keen to conclude the negotiations on the free trade agreement as soon as possible, eying the start of the FTA in 2026.
The programme was organised to launch cooperation between the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) and RISE, BUET on industrial research.
Mr Ke Changliang, President, Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) and Prof Dr Muhammad Anisuzzaman Talukder, Director, RISE, BUET signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard during the programme held at the EEC Auditorium of BUET.
The Chinese envoy said that China experts will soon visit Bangladesh to conduct an on-site inspection of the condition of mangoes. Mangoes are expected to be exported to China this year, he added.
A joint disability studies report on the free trade agreement is being conducted and both the countries are committed to completing the joint feasibility study to start negotiations as early as possible within this year, the envoy informed.
"China-Bangladesh relations are now at the very critical stage of development and rejuvenation," he said.
"China is winning hearts and we all stand ready to continue financing large projects agreed upon by both sides. China encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh," the envoy said.
Under the MoU, the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) and the Research and Innovation Center for Science (RISE) under the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) will establish a cooperation framework. This initiative aims to address on-site technical challenges faced by the Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh through collaborative research and innovation.
Prof Dr Satya Prasad Majumder, Vice Chancellor, BUET, Mr Quazi Muhammad Ferdous, Chief Engineer, Bangladesh Bridge Authority, Prof Dr Abdul Jabbar Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, BUET, Engr Gulam Mohammed Alomgir, President, BUET Graduates Club and Chairman of Max Group, Dr Sayeed Ahmed, CEO and Managing Director, Bayside Analytix Ltd, Mr Al Mamun Mridha, Secretary General, Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry also spoke on the occasion.
BUET VC said that such collaboration will help technology transfer and employment generation in the country.
He lamented that many brilliant students of BUET left Bangladesh due to a lack of proper job opportunities in the country.
CEAB President Mr Ke said that the Chinese enterprises are committed to supporting Bangladesh’s growth efforts in every possible way.