Bangladesh sends first mango shipment to China under duty-free deal

Bangladesh dispatched its first consignment of fresh mango to China from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, marking a significant milestone in bilateral trade and agricultural exports.

On Wednesday, the event was attended by Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Commercial Adviser Bashir Uddin, who both underscored the export’s symbolic and strategic value.

 

 

The Chinese envoy linked the development to the outcomes of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s recent visit to Beijing and mentioned ongoing discussions about expanding access to other Bangladeshi products.

On the other hand, the commerce adviser noted the deal’s potential to reduce the trade deficit under duty-free terms and expressed hope for expanding into global markets.

At the event, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen emphasized that the mango export is more than a trade deal, it’s a symbol of “mutually beneficial, win-win cooperation.”

“Bangladeshi mangoes, grown in the fertile soils of the Ganges Delta, will now bring diversity and quality to Chinese consumers’ baskets,” said Ambassador Yao.

He also revealed that China is reviewing market access for guavas and jackfruit, with further discussions ongoing around raw hide and Hilsa exports.

Speaking at the event, Commercial Adviser Bashir Uddin also highlighted the strategic implications of the deal for Bangladesh’s trade balance. “This is being exported under 100% duty-free benefits by China to reduce the trade deficit,” he said, crediting the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Yunus for making the deal possible.

He further noted that Bangladesh produces 2.4 million metric tons of mangoes annually, yet exports remain modest. “We expect that our mango exports will increase tenfold this year compared to last year—even if that’s just one percent of total production, it’s a step in the right direction,” he added.

Beyond China, Bashir Uddin expressed optimism about tapping into other high-value markets: “We will be able to market not only in China but also in Japan, the USA, and the European Union,” he said.

He also confirmed Chinese cooperation in facilitating the duty-free export of raw hides, signaling broader agro-industrial engagement between the two nations.

However, the Commercial Adviser referred to a Chinese proverb, saying: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and today is that first step.”

Ambassador Yao concluded by announcing that Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will visit Bangladesh in two days, leading the largest Chinese business delegation in history, comprising over 100 companies, to explore deeper economic cooperation.