Staff Correspondent

Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak has urged Chinese businessmen and entrepreneurs to invest in the textile and jute sector of Bangladesh.

He came up with the call during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at his Secretariat office in the capital Dhaka today.

Claiming jute and jute goods as environment friendly, Nanak said, "The sector is very potential and the investors from different countries have already started the process of investing here. Chinese investors can invest in Bangladesh. We want to enhance the export of jute and jute products to China."

He also requested an enhancement of the scope for training and scholarships for Bangladeshi engineers in China.

The jute minister also invited Chinese ambassador and businessmen to visit the Bangladesh Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC).

Besides, the Chinese ambassador said, “I firmly believe that Chinese investors will invest in the textile and jute sector in Bangladesh. Today, we signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Commerce Ministry to explore the feasibility to reach a free trade agreement. As a result, textile and jute products are expected to become important.”

Ambassador Yao Wen also expressed determination about China's continued support for building a smart Bangladesh.

Referring to the training of government officials in China through the Economic Relations Division (ERD) from Bangladesh, the ambassador said that cooperation will be extended in the case of training and internships of textile engineers.

He urged Bangladeshis to participate in the textile expo to be held in China in November.