Friday, June 7, 2013

Bangladesh has been designated as the ‘Theme Country’ of the first China-South Asia


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sees this recognition as a testimony to Bangladesh’s potential as ‘an emerging economy’ in the South Asian region.
The objective of the exposition is to strengthen trade relations between China and South Asian countries and to provide a platform to expand economic and commercial exchanges with other countries and regions.
Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, is the gateway to China for South Asian countries.
All SAARC countries –Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – are also participating in the fair.
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka D M Jayaratne, and the Vice President of Nepal Paramanda Jha are leading their delegations while President of Malawi Joyce Banda, and the former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Bin Mohamad are also attending the fair.
Bangladesh officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau are also attending the events.
Vice Premier of China Ma Kai visited Bangladesh pavilion in the expo on the opening day and termed Bangladesh a “close friend and neighbour” of China.
He assured Bangladesh of “further assistance and support” in the days to come.
Minister for Industries Dilip Barua and Prime Minister’s Advisor to International Affairs Gowher Rizvi greeted him on his arrival in the pavilion.
Ma Kai also congratulated Bangladesh on being designated as the Theme Country of this inaugural exposition.
Bangladeshi exhibitors and businessmen are using 150 booths to display and sell their products.
The two-way trade between Bangladesh and China crossed $8 billion last year which was less than $ 3 billion three years back.
The Industries Minister expressed hope that soon the figure would pass the $10 billion mark.
The minister said Bangladesh holds great potential for itself as well as its neighbours.
He underscored the need for opening ‘without further delay’ communication channels between south and south-west China and Bangladesh, through Myanmar.
The minister later spoke at the 8th China- South Asia Business Forum (CSABF) on Thursday.
Representatives of different Bangladesh’s Chamber bodies including Bangladesh Federation of Chamber of Commerce Industries, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce Industries, Specialized Textile and Handloom Industries Association, and Women Chamber have attended the business forum.
The fair will through to June 10.

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