China offers to invest $350m

China has offered to invest about US$350 million in Bangladesh's multiple sectors for product diversification, value addition as well as boosting exports to boost trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Huchen announced this when he met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the Chinese Minister termed Bangladesh a development partner of his country.
Gao Huchen urged the Prime Minister to form a committee that would coordinate with the Chinese side over the investment it wants to make in Bangladesh, reports UNB.
He mentioned that Bangladesh produces good quality jute products, for which exports from Bangladesh increased by 10 per cent in the first half of this year.
The Chinese Minister said a letter of exchange has been signed between Bangladesh and China for building Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre at Purbachal on the outskirts of capital Dhaka.
Hailing the Prime Minister as her government has been able to maintain over 6.0 per cent GDP growth rate for the last couple of years, Gao Huchen said Bangladesh is marching ahead under her visionary and dynamic leadership.
The Chinese Minister also recalled the visits of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China in 1952 and 1957, and said the visits laid the foundation for the friendly relations between the two countries.
In response, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh highly values its friendship with China as it has strong bilateral relations as well as close defence purchase cooperation with China.
About connectivity, she said Bangladesh places importance on strengthening connectivity among the BICM member countries to facilitate and enhance economic cooperation.
About the Chinese investment, particularly in Bangladesh's garment sector, Sheikh Hasina said her government allocated a land in Anwara upazila of Chittagong district, particularly for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone.
In this regard, she stressed establishing garment industries under joint-venture, saying her government has been setting up 22 special economic zones where such investment could be made.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh would invite the Chinese President as well as her Chinese counterpart to attend the celebration marking 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year.
Prime Minister's Adviser on International Affairs Dr Gowher Rizvi, PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum and Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap were present.