April 19, 2006

China signals interest in seafood exports from Bangladesh

Chinese business leaders have shown interest in importing seafood and other goods from Bangladesh, said Si Wei, head of a visiting eight-member delegation from Dehong Chamber of Commerce, China, at a meeting with Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in Dhaka Tuesday (Apr 18).

China has a big consumer market where Bangladeshi businessmen can export more products, he said.

However, the lack of communication between the two countries stands in the way of doing business, Wei said. He also pointed out that the two countries have no direct air link although only two hours of flight time separates China and Bangladesh.

Si Wei said China exports twice as much goods to Bangladesh as it does to Myanmmar, proving that Bangladesh is a huge potential market for China.

While China is keen on importing seafood from Bangladesh, it is also interested in exporting vegetables, tea, fruits and flowers to the country, he said.

In 2004-05, China's exports to Bangladesh amounted to US$1.6 billion while Bangladesh's exports to China were worth US$57.9 million.

However, the Chinese government is promising more incentives for goods from Bangladesh entering China.