Dhaka: Visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao announced today that China is prepared to enhance cooperation with Bangladesh in trade and commerce, with a particular focus on agriculture, jute, marine fisheries, and research. The announcement came during the China-Bangladesh Conference on Investment and Trade in Dhaka, as Wentao met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chinese minister, who led a substantial delegation of Chinese businesspeople and industrialists, expressed enthusiasm for Bangladesh’s future development. He noted that Chinese companies are now more confident about investing in Bangladesh following recent initiatives by the Bangladeshi government. Highlighting the growing consumer market in Bangladesh, Wentao predicted that by 2030, the country would become the ninth largest consumer market globally.
Chief Adviser Yunus emphasized the untapped opportunities in Bangladesh’s rural areas, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. He suggested that with Chinese collaboration, each village in Bangladesh could be transformed into a production powerhouse. The Chinese minister responded by indicating interest in full-scale cooperation in areas such as farmland development, water conservation, and planting technologies, viewing agriculture as a critical social organization.
In fisheries and the marine economy, Wentao highlighted China’s expertise and requested specific proposals from Bangladesh. He mentioned China’s leadership in fishing technologies, particularly in deep water marine fishing.
During the conference, Prof Yunus spoke about revitalizing Bangladesh’s jute sector, noting that China imports jute worth US$100 million from Bangladesh annually. The Chinese minister suggested that with collaborative research and product diversification, this figure could significantly increase. He emphasized the importance of joint research efforts to make jute a more suitable product for China.
Yunus welcomed the Chinese minister’s gesture and expressed gratitude for China’s friendship and support. He praised Wentao for bringing numerous Chinese investors and delivering an inspiring speech at the conference. The Chief Adviser recalled his recent visit to China, where various bilateral issues were discussed, and expressed optimism that the current visit would further strengthen these ties.