Chinese business experts discuss strengthening trade ties

A two-member delegation from the Beijing-based CCPIT Academy paid a courtesy visit to BCCCI office, Gulshan, Dhaka on Tuesday, to discuss expanding bilateral trade, investment, research, and institutional cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

The delegation was led by Zhao Ping, dean at the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Academy, and accompanied by Zhang Jihang, director of the Exhibition Economy Research Department at the academy.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Jamilur Rahman, secretary general of Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI).

Zhao Ping highlighted China’s major exhibitions, Chinese consumer preferences, and the CCPIT Academy’s research activities. She stated that the visit aimed to familiarise Chinese enterprises with Bangladesh’s investment climate and business opportunities. The visit was also aimed at increasing awareness of foreign markets among Chinese businesses, she added.

She also commended Bangladesh’s economic growth, large consumer market, demographic potential and business opportunities. Ping welcomed the prospect of BCCCI contributing to research on South Asian business conditions and highlighted the CCPIT Academy’s training programmes on Chinese policies and business practices.

Key participants from BCCCI, including Vice Presidents Khandaker Atiqur Rahman and Masud Ali Khan, Director Dr Md Rakibul Hoque, and Faizul Alam, advisor to the Standing Sub-Committee on President’s Advisory, highlighted three key areas for cooperation: energy, the exhibition industry, as well as research and knowledge exchange.

In the meeting, energy supply constraints were identified as a major challenge for businesses with an adverse impact on cross-border trade. The participants explored opportunities for Chinese investment in alternative energy solutions, including mini-LPG storage facilities, battery technology and solar energy, to help address Bangladesh’s energy needs.

Research and knowledge exchange also featured prominently in the discussion. Joint, evidence-based research was proposed to address gaps in business information and identify opportunities to expand cross-border trade.