China concerned over Bangladesh situation

China has vented deep concern over the developments in Bangladesh and expressed the hope that peace, stability and development of the country could be safeguarded in people's interest.

"As the friendly close neighbour of Bangladesh, China is very much concerned about the developments of Bangladesh situation," said new Chinese Ambassador Zheng Qingdian, who sees a lot of potential of this country to develop.

In an interview with UNB on Monday, he said: "We sincerely hope that the peace, stability and development of the country could be safeguarded to protect the interest of its people."

Qingdian, who took up his ambassadorial assignment two months ago, said they appreciate the government's strong determination to develop economy and improve people's lifestyle. "Bangladesh has a large potential market with huge population and low-price skilled labour," he said, adding that the Chinese government will always encourage Chinese companies to do trade and make investment here.

Asked if China would consider more trade facilities for Bangladesh to reduce an about US$ 2 billion trade deficit, the Ambassador observed that the Chinese government takes the issue of trade imbalance with Bangladesh seriously and has made substantial effort to solve the problem.

"We have taken combined measures to expand imports from Bangladesh, including sending purchasing missions to Bangladesh and providing government subsidies," he said.

Qingdian mentioned that his country has granted tariff-free access to 84 items and preferential tariff treatment to 156 other items of Bangladesh commodities within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement.