BCCCI, Ceab urge strengthening Sino-Bangla bilateral trade relations

A delegation from the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI), led by its president Mohd Khorshed Alam and secretary general Jamilur Rahman, paid a courtesy call on Han Kun, president of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (Ceab), on Tuesday.

The meeting was convened to discuss bilateral trade matters and to explore practical mechanisms for overcoming existing difficulties and bottlenecks affecting trade and commerce between Bangladesh and China, according to a press release.

BCCCI president Mohd Khorshed Alam underscored the importance of the textile industry to the national economy and highlighted opportunities for joint ventures with Chinese investors, especially in the rehabilitation of sick or non-operational industrial units. He stated that revitalizing dormant facilities would generate more effective commercial outcomes compared to establishing entirely new industries. He further assured that BCCCI stands ready to provide necessary support services, including facilitation to expedite SB Clearance procedures in legal frame for CEAB respected members.

Ceab president Mr. Han Kun highlighted several priority areas for enhanced cooperation, including: infrastructural development, government-to-government (G2G) projects, power generation and renewable energy initiatives, and expansion of trade in construction materials.

He reiterated Ceab's commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations and expressed confidence that a coordinated and collaborative effort between BCCCI and Ceab would be more effective in identifying challenges, proposing policy-level recommendations, and resolving outstanding issues.

BCCCI secretary general Jamilur Rahman proposed the establishment of a joint working body, comprised of representatives from both BCCCI and Ceab. The purpose of this body would be to lawfully identify, assess, and address bilateral trade-related disputes, operational impediments, and other challenges encountered by Bangladeshi and Chinese businesses. AZM Azizur Rahman, senior vice president of BCCCI, underscored the strategic importance of enhancing Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

He emphasized the necessity of further strengthening such engagement, noting that a significant number of Chinese enterprises are already operating within the Export Processing Zones (EPZs).

Lin Hai, vice president of Ceab and president of its ICT Branch, emphasized the growing significance of 5G, macro technologies, and smartphone innovation, and encouraged broader integration of technology within Bangladesh's education sector. Mike Ge, president of the Ceab Textile and Garments Branch, discussed the current state of the textile sector and acknowledged the significant contributions of Chinese enterprises as buying houses and strategic partners, particularly within the global supply chain.

The call-on meeting was attended by Khandaker Atiqur Rahman, vice president, BCCCI, Mohammad Masud Ali Khan, vice president, BCCCI, Mohammad Amanur Rahman, director, ATM Altaf Hossain Lotus, director, Md Kamruzzaman Ibne Amin, director, Asif Haque Rupo, director, and Md Abu Taher, office secretary, BCCCI.

Representing Ceab, Tao Tao, marketing director, Bangladesh Branch, Ma Rui, vice president, Ceab, and Zhou Meimei, secretary, Ceab, were also present.

They shared their investment-related experiences and provided valuable observations on the matters discussed during the meeting.