Published : 31 May 2025, 11:01 PM
Bangladesh and China have signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to form a joint working group for expanding free trade and to enhance cooperation in the field of e-commerce.
The agreements were signed in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon by Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao during a bilateral meeting at a city hotel.
Wang arrived earlier in the day with a delegation of Chinese investors and business leaders for a three-day visit.
The signing was confirmed in a media statement from Bangladesh’s commerce ministry.
During the talks, Bashir sought China's support in introducing drone technology in Bangladesh's agriculture sector.
He expressed optimism that such cooperation would play a key role in strengthening trade and technological collaboration between the two nations.
“Drone technology can revolutionise fertiliser application, seed sowing, pesticide spraying, and crop monitoring,” Bashir said. “China’s experience and expertise can play a crucial role in our agriculture sector.”
He also called for support in upgrading Bangladesh’s deep-sea fishing capabilities, citing limited access to modern vessels and processing infrastructure.
Wang responded positively, saying China was ready to assist in fisheries and maritime resource development, alongside digital and agricultural technology.
He also encouraged stronger business ties, highlighting the potential of smart agriculture and drone deployment to boost productivity.
Bashir invited Chinese investment in leather goods, light engineering, agro-machinery, food processing and pharmaceuticals, pointing to Bangladesh’s young, cost-efficient workforce and growing domestic market.
Wang noted the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China has passed, with China having implemented several projects that have improved socio-economic development and people’s living standards in Bangladesh.
The meeting also discussed plans to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, and technology between the two countries.