China has expressed interest in importing 3,000 tonnes of hilsa from Bangladesh. Chinese ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wayne said on Thursday that the interest was made during a courtesy meeting with trade adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin at the Secretariat. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce (Export) Md. Abdur Rahim Khan was present.
Ambassador Yao Wayne said the demand for hilsa fish in China is huge. There is an opportunity to balance bilateral trade through export of hilsa. Initially there are plans to import 3,000 tonnes of hilsa. In addition to importing mangoes, jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh, China is keen to increase investment in these sectors. Chinese investors want to invest more in Bangladesh. Specifically, 4 Chinese companies have shown interest in investing in the economic zone of Chittagong.
The trade adviser said that China is one of the development partners and friends of Bangladesh. By increasing investment it is possible to further strengthen bilateral relations. He urged China to increase investment in agriculture, transport, agricultural machinery and healthcare sectors.
Sheikh Bashiruddin said there is a trade imbalance between Bangladesh and China. To reduce this gap, China has been requested to increase Bangladesh's goods and reduce tariffs on import products.
