National

Beijing wants to help Dhaka get on rapid dev track

China wants Bangladesh to consistently improve investment climate in Bangladesh addressing the `difficulties and shortcoming` as the country wants to get Bangladesh on `track of rapid development` through enhanced cooperation and massive investment in Bangladesh."We hope Bangladesh will consistently improve investment environment to facilitate investment from China in Bangladesh," Commercial Counsellor of Chinese Ministry of Commerce (Dept of Asian Affairs) Wang Qihui told a press interaction with journalists from Bangladesh and Nepal.Responding to a question from UNB, the senior official said they have received feedbacks from Chinese companies operating in Bangladesh about the problems they are facing in Bangladesh in some cases.Listing the problems, Qihui said the Chinese companies have a feeling that Bangladesh`s infrastructure facilities are not modern and adequate, cost of transportation is relatively higher, customs clearance takes much time compared to China and they feel quite difficult to get in touch with the government officials in Bangladesh.He, however, said the Chinese government will `certainly and consistently` encourage Chinese `competent companies` to invest and run business in Bangladesh taking the existing advantages.Talking about the journey towards further development through joint efforts, Qihui said, "Bangladesh has a dream to become Golden Bangladesh. China has also its own dream. All these dreams a interlinked."He said Bangladesh having large population and huge domestic needs, has all the potential to attract Chinese investment in Bangladesh.The Chinese government official said light industry, textile, home appliances, jute and power generation are the key areas of Chinese investment plan in Bangladesh.On the progress after the signing of series of trade agreements between Bangladesh and China during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s China visit, Qihui said there has been significant progress in a number of areas."There has been fascinating enthusiasm among Chinese investors. Their interest for making investment is on the rise," he added.Giving further updates on investment plan, the Chinese government official said the special economic zone, to be operated jointly with BGMEA, will hopefully be completed by 2016 with some 200 textile producing and clothes manufacturing units from China will get entry into the zone.He said China has rich experience in agriculture technology and e-commerce and both countries can explore these areas through enhanced collaboration.Recently Bangladesh Prime Minister announced that the government will set up some 100 special economic zones gradually.When his attention was drawn and asked whether the Chinese  side will seek third economic zone from Bangladesh, he said, "We are yet to get any information regarding the development. We hope we will soon get the information and then we will explore possibilities."Bangladesh has already allocated two special economic zones for Chinese investors in Chittagong and Dhaka where Chinese investors are likely to invest over $4 billion.On progress over tunnel beneath the River Karnaphuli in Chittagong, the Chinese government official said there has been steady progress in this regard but did not elaborate further.Responding to a question on minimizing huge trade gap between the two countries, Qihui said Chinese government is ready to adopt some measures to reduce the trade gap which is heavily in favour of China now.First Secretary, Department of International Trade and Economic Relations Chen Hangying, who was present at the interaction said the Chinese government provides a new package for all the least developed countries - 97% zero tariff for products and commodities that enter into Chinese market.Bangladesh has been enjoying 95 % zero tariff package under the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement, she added."Now the ball is now in Bangladesh`s court. We hope Bangladesh government will choose the latest package but we also understand that Bangladesh may have some difficulties to replace the existing one with the new package," Chen said .She, however, said the latest tariff package can not be customized for a single or specific country but for all least developed countries.Officials from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and senior journalists from Bangladesh and Nepal were present.