Bangladesh and China today cemented their commitment to bolstering bilateral trade, commerce, and investment with the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements facilitate the formation of a Joint Working Group and cooperation on e-commerce affairs.
The MoUs were signed in a ceremony at a city hotel by Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, representing their respective nations.
Earlier in the day, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao arrived in Dhaka, leading a delegation of over 100 Chinese companies. His visit aims to explore trade and investment opportunities and elevate the “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership” between the two countries.
During a meeting with the Chinese delegation, Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin specifically requested China’s support in implementing drone technology within Bangladesh’s agriculture sector. According to a Commerce Ministry press release, Bashir Uddin highlighted how this would significantly enhance trade and technological cooperation. He emphasized that drone technology could revolutionize the application of fertilizers, seed sowing, and pesticide spraying, stating, “Chinese experiences and its technology can play a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector.”
Further, Bashir Uddin encouraged increased Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s leather and leather goods, light engineering, agri-machineries, agro-technology, food processing, and pharmaceuticals sectors, citing Bangladesh’s demographic dividends and competitive labor costs.
In response, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation in technology and investment. He affirmed China’s readiness to support Bangladesh in the agricultural and digital technology sectors, aiming to boost production through smart agricultural techniques and drone technology. Responding to the Commerce Adviser’s call for support in fisheries and marine resource utilization, Wang Wentao confirmed China’s willingness to assist Bangladesh in these areas, acknowledging the vast potential in the maritime sector.
Referring to the successful celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, the Chinese Commerce Minister noted that China has been implementing numerous projects in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to the country’s socio-economic development and benefiting a large segment of the population.
The meeting featured detailed discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade, commerce, investment, and technology, with both sides expressing optimism for deeper economic collaboration in the future.
