Staff Correspondent

A total of 27 companies – 15 from Bangladesh and 12 from China – have won the first-ever “China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award 2023” for their outstanding performance in boosting the bilateral trade between the two countries during the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

This award not only celebrates the triumphs of those companies but also marks the journey of the BRI, read a press release.

The Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) organised the award ceremony at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on 21 December.

This event shed light on the prosperous synergy emerging between the two nations, spotlighting the role of successful companies in this blossoming partnership.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Lokman Hossain Miah, and Economic Relations Division (ERD) Additional Secretary Anowar Hossain attended the event among others.

The Chinese ambassador emphasised the crucial function of political leaders in steering the course of bilateral relations.

He highlighted how recent interactions between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have breathed fresh life into these ties, setting in motion a new phase of cooperation.

Yao Wen spoke of the decreased trade deficit with China by 16%, pointing towards an effective improvement in dealing with the trade imbalance. In addition, China has proved to be a predominant source of foreign direct investment for Bangladesh, amounting to a stock of $3.17 billion as of September.

CEAB President Ke Changliang spoke of the CEAB members’ profound impact on the region, providing upwards of half a million direct jobs to local individuals, therefore, emphasising the enterprises’ commitment to responsible and positive business practices, read the release.

To strengthen the consistent sustainable development of Bangladesh, the CEAB and the BCCCI have formed a bilateral committee to organise the “China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award” every year from now on to boost the Bangladesh-China trade ties.