Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday sought support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to expand the export of fruits and farm products to China.
The chief adviser met with FAO Director General Qu Dongyu on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in the coastal Chinese town, where he requested assistance, according to Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Azad Majumder.
Yunus noted that while China is emerging as a major importer of agricultural and aquaculture products, Bangladesh has been unable to tap into this market due to a lack of understanding of Chinese trade dynamics.
He urged the FAO director general, a former senior Chinese official, to act as a bridge between Chinese importers and Bangladeshi farmers and fruit producers.
"We need support in fruit processing, vegetable preservation, storage, and packaging. You can help connect Chinese buyers with our farmers and exporters," Yunus said.
He added that China will soon begin importing mangoes from Bangladesh, and with FAO’s assistance, the country can further develop its capacity to export more fruits and vegetables.
In response, the director general assured Yunus of FAO’s full support for Bangladesh, saying that the organization will launch a new initiative to facilitate the export of Bangladeshi agricultural products to China.
"We are matchmakers. We will establish a new network between Bangladeshi and Chinese agricultural companies," Qu Dongyu said.
He highlighted that Bangladesh is the largest recipient of FAO’s assistance and expressed his confidence in the country's progress under the leadership of Yunus.
"You are my older brother. I sincerely hope your country thrives. We will support you for sure," he said.
