Socio-economic development is possible by increasing competitiveness between Bangladesh, China: Farida
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said cooperation with China is essential for economic transformation.
“Social and economic development will be possible by increasing the competitiveness of Bangladesh and China,” she said while addrssing Dhaka-China Day 2025 at North South University here.
Farida said that the Chief Adviser had visited China on March 26, 2025, and signed agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on economic and technical cooperation. These agreements and MoUs will strengthen cooperation in multifaceted areas including culture, media, sports and health, she added.
She said that this cooperation is especially important for the younger generation, as they constitute more than half of the country's population and are the main drivers of change.
Highlighting the context of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the adviser said that with the combined efforts of Bangladeshi fishermen, workers, traders, importers, exporters, researchers and scientists, the country is now almost self-sufficient in fish, meat and egg production.
Fish and fish products are not only meeting domestic demand, but are also being exported to different countries of the world, she said.
She said that China has been a reliable trading partner of Bangladesh for a long time and this relationship is getting stronger day by day.
The adviser said that in future, Bangladesh-China cooperation can open new horizons in the fisheries and livestock sector. This cooperation will create broad prospects for investment in aquaculture technology development, modern methods of increasing production, climate-tolerant animal housing, disease control, antimicrobial resistance systems, modernization of fish landing and processing centers, dried fish and value-added industries, she added.
She said this will further strengthen the country's food security and economic growth.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said that the Dhaka-China Day event is a reflection of the close relationship between China and Bangladesh. Through various activities, the special features of Chinese culture are being highlighted among the general public, including young students, which will build a deep understanding and bond between the people of China and Bangladesh, he added.
He said the relations between Bangladesh and China are now at a historic juncture. China and Bangladesh are moving forward hand in hand in development cooperation and other sectors, he added.
Benazir Ahmed, founding life member and board of trustees member of NSU Trust, among others, addressed the discussion with NSU Vice Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury in the chair.
Diplomats, academicians, researchers, businessmen and students from Bangladesh and China were present at the event.