Bangladesh awaits agri boost as China keen to import mangoes, jackfruit, guavas

China has expressed interest in importing three agricultural products from Bangladesh, according to chief adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. 

During a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital today (20 March), he said the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka conveyed his country's interest in importing large quantities of mangoes, jackfruit, and guavas from Bangladesh. 

Earlier, the chief adviser had proposed exporting these products to China, he added.

Alam said Ambassador Yao Wen, in a light-hearted remark, said China might buy so many mangoes that Bangladesh could face a shortage, highlighting the high demand for Bangladeshi mangoes and jackfruit in the Chinese market.

This issue will be further discussed during Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' upcoming visit to China later this month, with hopes of expanding Bangladesh's agricultural exports.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is providing Bangladesh with $4 million in financial and technical assistance to maintain the quality of its mango exports, enabling larger-scale exports to China.

On 10 July, China's customs administration approved the import of mangoes from Bangladesh, according officials with knowledge of the development.

Before granting approval, a Chinese expert team visited Bangladesh, inspected various mango orchards, and observed the production process firsthand. 

After returning to China, the team submitted a report, based on which the Chinese customs department officially announced the approval for mango imports from Bangladesh.

This approval has opened a significant market in the world's second-largest economy for Bangladeshi agricultural products, creating new opportunities for the country's export sector.

Additionally, the press secretary outlined key decisions made by the advisory council to enhance transparency and curb corruption in government projects. 

From now on, all government works will be awarded through 100% tenders, up from the current 65%. Several amendments have been made to the Public Procurement Ordinance to increase transparency and competition in the procurement process. 

The rule rejecting bids lower than 10% of the estimated value has been removed. Additionally, a new capability matrix will replace the old evaluation system, reducing the likelihood of the same organisations repeatedly securing contracts and encouraging greater competition.

Currently, 65% of government project tenders are processed online. The decision has been made to upgrade this to 100%, ensuring a more transparent procurement system and a level playing field for new entrants. 

These reforms aim to minimise corruption, dismantle syndicates, boost competition, and enhance transparency in government project implementation.

The press secretary announced several key decisions by the advisory council. 

The maximum penalty for rape by enticing marriage has been set at seven years in prison. While covered under the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children Act, it has now been explicitly mentioned in the law. 

The Advisory Council has passed the Women and Children Act Amendment Bill, incorporating this provision.

To address issues with abandoned house allotments, amendments have been made to allow allottees to register the properties in their names easily. 

The government has declared an additional Eid holiday on 3 April for public convenience. 

Additionally, a provision has been introduced for optional holidays on social and cultural occasions of ethnic groups in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, extending to ethnic communities in the plains as well.