President seeks greater access to China mkt

BEIJING, Nov 8 (UNB): President Abdul Hamid sought on Saturday further concession for access of Bangladesh's products to China and greater Chinese investment in Bangladesh, aiming to address the trade imbalance between the two countries.
The President sought the support in a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping held at the Great Hall of the People.
"We're happy to see some of the remedial and preferential measures are being taken by the Chinese government to address the existing trade imbalance. We look forward to further concession for the access of Bangladesh products, including more jute and jute products to the Chinese market as discussed during our Prime Minister's meeting with you (Xi Jinping) in June this year," he said.
President's press secretary Ehsanul Karim told the news agency after the meeting.
During their 30-minute meeting, he said, both the Presidents emphasised further strengthening of the economic and other cooperation between the two countries for their mutual benefits.
Mentioning China a natural and tested friend of Bangladesh, Hamid said the excellent friendly and good neighbourly relations between Bangladesh and China have grown from strength to strength over the
years.
Later, President Hamid had a luncheon meeting hosted by Chinese vice-president Li Yuanchao held at Wanliutang at Diaoyutai Guest House.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Hamid said Bangladesh and China are enjoying excellent bilateral relations, while Yuanchao appreciated Bangladesh for its one China policy.
BSS adds: President Abdul Hamid said Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC) had the potential to create opportunities for social and economic progress for millions of poor and marginal communities and ethnicities of the region.
"In the recent times, we also see Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar working together at Track One level to shape up the BCIM-EC process . . . the wider connectivity that I underlined is what Bangladesh aspires to accomplish through BCIM-EC process," the President said while speaking at the Dialogue on Strengthening Connectivity Partnership as part of APEC CEO Summit on Saturday.