Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen recently expressed his government's desire to import mango, guava and jackfruit from Bangladesh at a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka.
CA Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam disclosed this information at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday.
He said the Chief Adviser had earlier requested the Chinese government to import mango, guava and jackfruit from Bangladesh.
Now the Chinese government is very interested in importing these three types of fruits, Alam said, expressing hope that this would open a new horizons for Bangladesh's exports to China.
The Press Secretary said, "We will be able to export jackfruit there on a large scale. Besides, an opportunity has also been created for large-scale mango exports as the Chinese people like Bangladeshi mangoes. "
He said standards have to be maintained in the export of mangoes, so the World Food Programme (WFO) is providing USD four million and technical assistance in this regard.
Alam hoped that the trade relations between the two countries would deepen through the Chief Adviser's visit to China. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to begin his four-day visit to China on March 26.
About the decisions of the meeting of the Council of Advisers held here today, the Press Secretary said it was informed in the meeting that 172,000 government posts are remained vacant so far.
The Chief Adviser has ordered to take necessary measures to fill these vacant posts, he said.
Replying to a question, Alam said, "We have very good relations with India. Despite the visa complications, our trade with India has increased in the last seven months. We want very good relations with India, but it must be based on fairness, dignity and equality."
Responding to another query, he said, "Four hospitals in Kunming have been dedicated for Bangladesh and Bangladeshi patients, who are intending to receive treatment there.
"This is good news. However, our chief adviser wants Chinese hospital chains come to Bangladesh. Then we will get high-quality Chinese treatment at our doorsteps," he added.
The press secretary said Prof Yunus is inviting big Chinese healthcare companies to invest in Bangladesh and the main focus of his visit this time will be to bring Chinese investment in Bangladesh's health sector.
CA Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and Apurba Jahangir were also present at the briefing.
MSH
