China keen to preserve, process, import Bangladeshi marine fish

China has expressed a strong interest in collaborating with Bangladesh to preserve, process, and import marine fish, according to Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen.

The ambassador expressed the interest during a courtesy meeting with Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar on Wednesday, October 2. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

Ambassador Yao Wen highlighted China's willingness to invest in Bangladesh's marine fish industry, including plans by Chinese private investors to establish fish processing factories in the country. 

These factories would not only process marine fish but also export seafood to China. 

The ambassador further expressed interest in shrimp, crabs, kuchia (mud eel),  jute, jute products, and mangoes from Bangladesh, noting that there is significant demand for these products in the Chinese market.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasised the growing ties between the two countries, noting that this collaboration could provide duty-free access for Bangladeshi products to the Chinese market, a mutually beneficial opportunity for both nations.

The meeting also underscored the consensus between the two countries to work together on issues of mutual interest, particularly in trade and agriculture.

Present at the meeting were Syed Mahmud Belal Haider, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, ATM Mustafa Kamal, Additional Secretary, Md Tofazzel Hossain, Additional Secretary, along with the commercial counselor, first secretary, and third secretary from the Chinese Embassy.