Narinjara News


Dhaka, Beijing agree on road link via Burma

Dhaka, August 1: Bangladesh and China have agreed to open a road link between the two countries through Burma to ease transportation of goods for further expanding bilateral trade, according to a local news agency’s UNB.

The road link will connect Bangladesh with China’s southwestern Yunnan province which is closest in proximity between the two countries.

The decisions were made at meetings between a visiting high-powered delegation from China and Bangladeshi officials here yesterday.

The eight member Chinese delegation headed by Shao Qiwei, Vice Governor of Yunan, arrived Dhaka earlier in the day to explore ways for opening up communication and expanding bilateral business opportunities.

At a meeting with commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury at the Secretariat, the two sides discussed on expanding trade end agreed to open the direct road link between Bangladesh and Yunnan province of China, and via Burma. Construction work on the road link will start during next dry season.

Bangladesh Commerce Minister said direct goods transportation between China and Bangladesh will be quicker after the completion of the road construction within one and a half year.

Besides, the two countries will arrange single-country trade fairs for wider familiarization of their products. Under the Bangkok Agreement, Bangladesh is enjoying duty-free access for 84 of its products into the Chinese market, the Commerce Minister told the reporters in a briefing after the meeting.

Advisor to the Commerce Ministry of Bangladesh Barkat Ullah Bulu, Commerce Secretary M Aminur Rahman and senior officials of the Ministry present at the meeting.

China’s newfound interest to cultivate with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries is being pursued in line with Kunming Initiative that brought together Bangladesh, China, India and Burma (BCIM) to launch an economic cooperation forum in 1999.

The two countries have also decided to swap air flights by their national airlines to boost business and tourist exchanges. #

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