Chinese technological help in agri sector sought
Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury yesterday sought modern technological support from China for the modernisation of the country's agriculture sector and boosting its productivity.
“Agriculture-dependent Bangladesh is gradually moving towards science-based agricultural production. China can help Bangladesh through transferring modern technology to that end,” she told a function at Hotel Ruposhi Bangla in the capital.
Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal arranged the function to accord a reception to newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jun. Industries Minister Dilip Barua, also the party's general secretary, presided over the programme.
Speaking as chief guest, Matia said Bangladesh had already achieved success in innovating drought and salinity-tolerant varieties of rice.
“China can extend its helping hand in the areas of biotechnology, water management, exchange of information and researchers, and agricultural equipment innovation, which will help boost agricultural productivity,” she said.
Food and Disaster Management Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque, Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haque Inu, Workers' Party President Rashed Khan Menon, MP, diplomats, politicians, educationists, journalists, cultural personalities and civil society representatives also attended the function.
Li Jun said China-Bangladesh friendship was witnessing a rapid development in various fields and China felt proud of helping Bangladesh within its capacity.
“We stand ready to deepen the bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh in all areas such as economy, trade, agriculture, science and technology, culture and education,” he said.
The envoy said the bilateral trade volume stood at US$ 8.26 billion in 2011 showing an increase of 17 percent compared to 2010.
He also mentioned that Bangladeshi exports to China increased by 91 percent in 2010 and 79.5 percent in 2011.
Regarding investment plan, he said the Chinese government always encouraged qualified and capable enterprises to invest in Bangladesh and would continue to do so. “Chinese non-financial (infrastructure) investment in Bangladesh was over US$ 200 million in 2011,” he said.
He also said China began to offer zero tariff treatment to 4,762 Bangladeshi products.
Dilip Barua sought pragmatic initiative from the Chinese government to help Bangladesh in infrastructure development.
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