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Published on March 1, 2015
"At the same time China has become the number one import source for Bangladesh", Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu said at a reception for the newly appointed Chinese ambassador in Dhaka, Ma Mingqiang, organised by Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal (ML) at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital city.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Health Minister Mohammed Naism, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon and Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi addressed the programme, chaired by Samyabadi Dal president and former industries minister Dilip Barua.
Amu said the historical relations between the two countries cemented further in the recent years. For instance, the minister said Chinese entrepreneurs invested $1.42 billion in the country's Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in 2013, creating job opportunities for 80 thousand people.
He said the size of Chinese investment would increase manifold once the ongoing mega projects, including construction of Shahjalal Fertiliser Factory are completed.
Tofail Ahmed said export to China would rise to $2 billion in the next three to four years, thanks to the duty-free access, offered by China to all Bangladeshi products.
"Bangladesh would also be benefited further if the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar economic corridor is implemented," the minister said.
He said the government would allocate land to Chinese entrepreneurs who would invest in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Referring to the steady growth in the Bangladesh economy in the recent years, Dilip Barua urged for continuous support and cooperation for China to help Bangladesh expedite its growth prospect.
Ma Mingqiang said the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China would be strengthened further in the future.
He praised Bangladesh for supporting Chain on various issues at different international forums.
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