DE News Desk :
For the first time, Bangladesh is set to begin exporting mangoes to China on May 28, Agriculture Secretary Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian announced at a press briefing in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Foreign Service Academy, Mian said an initial shipment of approximately 50 metric tonnes of mangoes will be sent to China this year.
Discussions are ongoing with provincial Chinese authorities and the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka to expand export volumes in the near future.
“The Ministry of Agriculture is actively working to tap into new international markets for Bangladeshi mangoes,” Mian said, noting that steps are being taken based on country-specific demand assessments.
He added that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus had instructed officials to intensify efforts to expand export destinations.
A major initiative on mango exports is currently in the pipeline and will be rolled out soon, according to the agriculture secretary.
In addition to mangoes, Mian revealed that efforts are underway to begin jackfruit exports to China as well.
Bangladesh produces an average of 2.5 million metric tonnes of mangoes annually.
However, the export volume remains relatively low. In 2022–23, the country exported 31,100 metric tonnes, which dropped to 1,321 tonnes in 2023–24.
Despite the seasonal nature of the fruit, there is growing international demand for Bangladeshi mangoes due to their distinctive flavor.
Also present at the press briefing were Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Additional Secretary Md Mahmudur Rahman.
China had previously expressed interest in importing mangoes, guavas, and jackfruits from Bangladesh during discussions held in March.