China is planning to import mangoes from Bangladesh this year, Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Mr Yao Wen said on Monday.
Addressing a programme in the city, the envoy also said that talks are underway for launching direct flights between Dhaka and Beijing from mid-July this year.
He also mentioned that China is keen to conclude the negotiations on free trade agreement with Bangladesh as soon as possible, eying the start of the FTA in 2026.
The programme was organised to launch cooperation between Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) and RISE of BUET (Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology) on industrial research.
Mr. Ke Changliang, President of CEAB, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Anisuzzaman Talukder, Director, RISE; signed an MoU in this regard at the progrmme held at the EEC auditorium of BUET.
The Chinese envoy said Chinese experts will soon visit Bangladesh to conduct an on-site inspection of condition of mangoes and mangoes are expected to be exported to China this year.
The joint feasibility study report on free trade agreement is being conducted and both the countries are committed to completing the study to start negotiations as early as possible within this year, the envoy informed.
China and Bangladesh are at the very critical stage of development and rejuvenation, he said.
"China is winning hearts and we all stand ready to continue financing large projects agreed upon by both sides, and China encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh."
Under the MoU, the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) and the Research and Innovation Center for Science (RISE) under the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) will establish a cooperation framework. This initiative aims to address on-site technical challenges faced by Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh through collaborative research and innovation.
Prof. Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder, Vice Chancellor, BUET; Quazi Muhammad Ferdous, Chief Engineer, Bangladesh Bridge Authority; Prof. Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, BUET; Engr. Gulam Mohammed Alomgir, President, BUET Graduates Club and Chairman of Max Group; Dr. Sayeed Ahmed, CEO & Managing Director, Bayside Analytix Ltd.; Al Mamun Mridha, Secretary General, Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry; also spoke on the occasion.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com