Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed today said export of Bangladeshi products to China is increasing at the rate of 25 percent. “The export volume would exceed $ 1 billion soon,” hoped the minister while speaking at a roundtable discussion. Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) organized the roundtable titled “Bangladesh-China Bilateral Trade and Investment: Potentialities and Challenges” at CIRDAP Auditorium. Mentioning that China has been allocated space at Special Economic Zone (SEZ), he said the SEZ would be the best place for investment for relocating the Chinese readymade garments. “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. Now, the total trade volume of Bangladesh and China is $ 11 billion while Bangladesh is exporting goods of nearly $ 1 billion. “The trade deficit would be narrowed soon,” expected the minister. 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, BIISS Chairman Munsi Foyez Ahmed and BFUJ President Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, among others, spoke on the occasion. Dilip Barua emphasized the need for strengthening relations with China for economic development of Bangladesh. He hoped China would extend its cooperation for different mega projects in Banglades.
