Dhaka: China will import mango, guava, and jackfruit from Bangladesh. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen recently expressed his government's desire to this end at a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka. CA Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam disclosed this information at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy here today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser had earlier requested the Chinese government to import mango, guava, and jackfruit from Bangladesh. Now the Chinese government is very interested in importing these three types of fruits, Alam said, expressing hope that this would open a new horizon for Bangladesh's exports to China. The Press Secretary stated, "We will be able to export jackfruit there on a large scale. Besides, an opportunity has also been created for large-scale mango exports as the Chinese people like Bangladeshi mangoes."
The Press Secretary mentioned that standards must be maintained in the export of mangoes, and the World Food Programme (WFO) is providing USD four million and technical assistance in this regard. Alam expressed hope that the trade relations between the two countries would deepen through the Chief Adviser's upcoming visit to China. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to begin his four-day visit to China on March 26.
Regarding the decisions of the meeting of the Council of Advisers held here today, the Press Secretary informed that 172,000 government posts remain vacant so far. The Chief Adviser has ordered necessary measures to fill these vacant posts. Replying to a question about relations with India, Alam said, "We have very good relations with India. Despite the visa complications, our trade with India has increased in the last seven months. We want very good relations with India, but it must be based on fairness, dignity, and equality."
Responding to another query, he stated, "Four hospitals in Kunming have been dedicated for Bangladesh and Bangladeshi patients, who are intending to receive treatment there." He added that the Chief Adviser wants Chinese hospital chains to come to Bangladesh, which would provide high-quality Chinese treatment locally. Prof Yunus is inviting big Chinese healthcare companies to invest in Bangladesh, focusing on bringing Chinese investment in Bangladesh's health sector.
CA Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and Apurba Jahangir were also present at the briefing.