Chinese co offers to cooperate in producing low-cost paper in BD

A Chinese light engineering company proposed to cooperate in producing paper in the country at a low cost by using the latest technology.

The company also wants to help enhance the capacity of the state-run sugar mills.

China Light Industrial Corporation for Foreign Economic and Technical Cooperation (CLETC) made the proposals to industries minister Amir Hossain Amu during a meeting between the five-member Chinese delegation and the minister at the latter's office in the city.

Industries secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, BSFIC chairman Mahmud-ul Haq Bhuiyan, BCIC chairman Mohammad Iqbal and Chiense delegation members Wang Xiangyang, Zheng Yining, Liang Ki, Chen Hui and Li De were present in the meeting.

The Chinese delegation said CLETC is a world famous name in the light engineering sector. The organisation provides financial, technical and technological support in producing light engineering products including sugar, paper, milk and beverage in various countries of the world, they informed.

Amir Hossain Amu said the government has laid emphasis on sugar production during out-of-season to make the state-run sugar mills profitable. Besides, the government has prioritised high-breed sugarcane production to ensure adequate supply during the crushing season.

The minister suggested that the Chinese company can cooperate in producing sugar during out-of-season, diversifying products and cultivating high-breed sugarcane. He also asked the Chinese delegation to submit a realistic proposal after visiting the sugar mills.    

The minister said the government wants to make the state-run paper mills like North Benagl Paper Mills, Khulna Newsprint Mills and Khulna Hardboard Mills profitable. For this raw materials should be ensured along with energy efficient and cost effective technology.

The government will consider the proposal seriously which will have the option to run the mills in a profitable manner through the use of raw materials produced from alternative sources and a suitable technology for the factories, the minister added.

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