Staff Reporter :
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed MP Sunday said China is the number one friend of Bangladesh. The higher level of relations with the country remains to all intents and purposes.
China investment at Padma Rail Bridge, Karnafuli tunnel, Garments pally and permanent Trade Fair at purbachal make the relation with Bangladesh stronger, opined the minister while speaking at a roundtable discussion as a chief guest.
Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) organized the roundtable titled “Bangladesh-China Bilateral Trade and Investment: Potentialities and Challenges” at CIRDAP Auditorium.
CPD additional Research Director Dr Khandker Golam Moazzem made keynote presentation while ERF President Saif Ahmed Dilal chaired the roundtable.
Former Industries Minister Dilip Barua, BNP Standing Committee Member Lt Gen (Retd) Mahbubur Rahman, PRI Vice Chairman Dr Sadik Ahmed and BIISS Chairman Munsi Foyez Ahmed among others, spoke on the occasion.
The minister said that export of Bangladeshi products to China is increasing at the rate of 25 percent. The export volume would touch at $ 2 billion within three years.
Bangladesh will make 100 Special Economic Zone (SEZ) where China will be allocated at its own choice, he said.
“Bangladesh would provide all kind of necessary cooperation for Chinese investment in the country,” added Tofail.
Referring to different features of 7th Five Year Plan, the commerce minister said special initiatives, including cash incentive, have been taken to increase the number in export basket.
