China is eager to import 1,000 tonnes of Bangladesh’s prized hilsa fish.Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen made the intent while meeting Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin on Thursday, February 27, at his office. The meeting spotlighted opportunities to deepen bilateral trade and investment.Yao Wen highlighted the soaring demand for hilsa in China, calling it a chance for Bangladesh to narrow its trade gap with the Asian giant. “Bangladesh’s hilsa has a huge market waiting,” he said, proposing an initial import of 1,000 metric tons. Beyond fish, he voiced interest in sourcing mangoes, jackfruit, and guavas, while flagging investment prospects in these sectors. He also revealed that 30 Chinese firms are eyeing the Chattogram Economic Zone for potential projects.Commerce Adviser Bashiruddin welcomed the overtures, describing China as a key development partner and friend. “There’s immense scope to strengthen ties through increased investment,” he said, urging China to pour resources into agriculture, transportation, agro-machinery, and healthcare in Bangladesh. He pitched truck manufacturing plants and agricultural modernization as win-win ventures for both nations.Addressing the stark trade imbalance, Bashiruddin called for China to boost imports from Bangladesh and slash tariffs on Bangladeshi goods. “The gap is wide—we need actionable steps to bridge it,” he emphasised. Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce, Md Abdur Rahim Khan, also attended the meeting.