Highlights:
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (8 July) expressed hope that Bangladesh could earn significant foreign exchange by exporting jackfruit to China, citing Malaysia's success in exporting durian to the Chinese market.
He made the remarks while responding to a supplementary question during the 21st sitting of the second and first budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.
Mymensingh-6 MP Md Kamrul Hasan asked whether the government had any plans to establish an agro-based industrial zone in Fulbaria, where lemon, pineapple and jackfruit are produced in large quantities.
In reply, the prime minister said a pineapple processing plant had been established in the area several years ago but later ceased operations due to a lack of necessary support.
He said the government is now working to revive closed industrial units, including agro-based mills and factories.
Tarique Rahman said the government has no immediate plan to establish a separate industrial zone in Fulbaria. However, efforts are underway to restart shuttered industries to better utilise the area's agricultural potential.
The prime minister also said an agreement signed during his recent visit to China has created an opportunity for Bangladesh to export jackfruit to the world's second-largest economy.
He said Bangladeshi jackfruit enjoys strong demand among Chinese consumers and expressed hope that exports would begin soon.
Recalling his visit to Malaysia before travelling to China, Tarique Rahman said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had told him that Malaysia earns billions of dollars annually by exporting durian to China.
"If Malaysia can earn billions of dollars by exporting durian, Bangladesh can also generate substantial foreign exchange by exporting jackfruit to China," the prime minister said.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman / jackfruit / export to China
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