Economy
China Mulls Importing Mangoes and Jute from Bangladesh
China is considering importing mangoes and jute products from Bangladesh, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said on Monday (December 18).
However, he emphasised the need for Bangladesh to implement the FAO-prescribed Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) while focusing on product development, conservation, and improving the supply system to make it happen.
The Chinese ambassador said this during a courtesy call on the President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Mahbubul Alam at Gulshan in the capital. He also praised the quality of mangoes and jute in Bangladesh during the meet.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam assured Ambassador Yao Wen that Bangladesh would soon collaborate with China on this matter, involving all member associations and stakeholders in the country.
“China is one of our development partners, and its contribution to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development is undeniable. Although trade relations between the two countries have improved over the past few decades, a significant trade deficit remains. In light of this, the FBCCI President urged China to increase imports of goods from Bangladesh and invest in Special Economic Zones,” said Mahbubul Alam.
He also urged the Chinese Ambassador to address visa complications for Bangladeshi businessmen and entrepreneurs visiting China. Additionally, the FBCCI president sought China’s intellectual and technical cooperation for developing skilled manpower in Bangladesh.
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen assured that the Chinese government would continue its cooperation in Bangladesh’s economic development, including human resource development, reducing the trade deficit, and eliminating visa complications.
Praising Bangladesh’s initiative to establish 100 special economic zones, Ambassador Yao Wen mentioned the completion of infrastructure development in several economic zones. He expressed that Chinese entrepreneurs are willing to set up industries in these economic zones if provided with fast fuel and water supply.
During the meeting, Ambassador Yao Wen emphasised strengthening the relationship between businessmen from Bangladesh and China, inviting the FBCCI business delegation to visit China. FBCCI Vice President Md Munir Hossain, Secretary General Md Alamgir, FBCCI International Affairs Wing Consultant Ambassador Moisud Mannan, First Secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka Chui Yifeng, and others were present at the meeting.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
