Bangladesh Seeks China's Support to Narrow Trade Gap

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to support efforts to diversify Bangladesh's exports to China as a way to narrow the significant trade imbalance between the two countries.

During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Tarique requested greater market access for a range of Bangladeshi products, including mangoes, jackfruit, guava, aquatic products, raw leather, jute goods and pharmaceutical products, according to a media pool report.

The prime minister also sought China's assistance in upgrading Bangladesh's existing industrial facilities and implementing major development projects.

Following the talks, Beijing said China is ready to work with Bangladesh to increase imports of high-quality Bangladeshi products and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country.

According to a statement from the Chinese government, Beijing is also keen to expand bilateral cooperation in emerging sectors such as new energy, the digital economy and artificial intelligence.

Tarique is on a three-day visit to China that began on Wednesday. The trip marks his first visit to the country since assuming office as prime minister in February.