Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Thursday that Bangladesh’s participation as the theme country at the 10th China-South Asia Expo and the 30th China Kunming Import and Export Fair reflects the growing strategic and economic partnership between Bangladesh and China.
Speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony held at the Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, the minister said Bangladesh’s role as the Theme Country is not only an honour but also an international recognition of the country’s growing importance in regional economic cooperation, trade expansion, and investment promotion, said a press release.
He expressed confidence that the expo would strengthen business ties between Bangladesh and China while creating new opportunities for partnerships in trade, investment, technology, and innovation.
The international trade fair, which runs through 16 June, has attracted approximately 2,300 exhibitors from 68 countries.
Organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) with support from the Bangladesh Consulate in Kunming, Bangladesh has brought a record delegation of 175 representatives from 101 companies to this year’s event.
The Bangladesh Pavilion features products from the country’s leading export sectors, including ready-made garments, textiles, pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products, leather goods, plastic products, and handicrafts.
Earlier in the day, Muktadir and Wang Yubo jointly inaugurated the Bangladesh Pavilion. The minister later visited various stalls and exchanged views with participating entrepreneurs.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials and dignitaries, including representatives from China’s National People’s Congress, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Laos, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Secretariat, and the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Bangladesh’s delegation included Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, several members of parliament, Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam, and EPB Vice Chairman and CEO Mohammad Hasan Arif.
On the sidelines of the expo, Chinese Vice Minister for Commerce Yan Dong held a courtesy meeting with the Bangladeshi commerce minister to discuss opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment.
A special “Bangladesh Day” event is scheduled for Friday, where the country will further showcase its economic progress, investment opportunities, and export capabilities to the international business community.
