BTB signs MoU with Chinese institute to boost tea output

Bangladesh Tea Board (BTB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (TRICAAS) on Tuesday to boost the country's tea production. Director of Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI) Dr Mohammad Ali and Director of TRICAAS Yajun Yang signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Commerce Secretary Shubhashish Bose, Bangladesh Tea Board Chairman Major General Md Shafeenul Islam and other officials concerned were present at the signing ceremony.

The MoU was signed to extend technological support and other cooperation in the tea sector between the institutes of the two countries. In addition, the two countries will jointly hold conference, seminar, symposium as well as training and other programmes. "Tea production is increasing in the country. Bangladesh Tea Expo-2018 is scheduled to be held on February 18 in Dhaka. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the event," Mr Tofail said at the signing ceremony held at his office.

Only 10 million kilograms of tea were produced just after the country's independence. Of the total amount, 07 million kgs were exported. But the country has produced about 80 million kgs of tea this year, he said.

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