Ambassador Addresses Investment Seminar in Sanya

Bangladesh Ambassador to China Mr. Ashfaqur Rahman addressed a Business Seminar entitled “International Forum for Promotion of Economy and Trade “ held on 25 - 26 February 2006 in the island of Sanya under Hainan Province. The Seminar was organized by CCPIT, Hainan Sub-Council.

Presenting a paper entitled “Challenges and Opportunities of Economic Cooperation between Bangladesh and China”, the Ambassador outlined the possibilities of promoting bilateral trade between Bangladesh and China towards realizing its full potential for a win-win situation. He reiterated the need for enhancing connectivity between the two countries to open up new frontiers in bilateral trade. The Ambassador drew attention to the fact that the operationalizing of the Asia – Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) and South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) has created tremendous business opportunities for the regional countries, which Bangladesh and China should harness to their mutual advantage.

The session styled “Economy and Trade Promotion in Bilateral Relationship” was presided over by Mr. Chirstopher Hammerbeck, Executive Director, British Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong. The Seminar was attended by a large group of trade and investment representatives from the mainland as well as Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. The representatives of the resident diplomatic missions based in Beijing were also present. Mr. J. Denise Belisle, UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director, International Trade Centre was one of featured guests at the event.

The Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy Mr. M. Aminul Islam accompanied the Ambassador.