Chapainawabganj, Apr 28 (V7N)- China has expressed strong interest in importing a large quantity of mangoes from Bangladesh, signaling a potential new era for the country’s mango exports. Following successful discussions with Bangladesh’s head of state and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the groundwork for major mango exports to China is being laid.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen shared the update during a visit to a mango orchard in the Kendua Ghasura area of Nachol Upazila, Chapainawabganj on Monday. "The Chinese market is now open for Bangladesh’s delicious, sweet, and fresh mangoes," said the ambassador. He also mentioned that the export costs for Bangladeshi farmers to China are significantly lower compared to other international markets.

China has agreed to assist Bangladesh in establishing mango storage and preservation facilities. The country’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) registered Bangladesh's mangoes for export last July. Now, Chinese traders and officials are visiting mango orchards to verify various standards, including hot water treatment calibration and packaging, before full-scale imports begin—expected around mid-May.

Last week, representatives from Chinese importing companies visited several orchards and processing centers in Chapainawabganj and expressed enthusiasm about the quality of mangoes. Local farmers and exporters are optimistic that direct exports to China will open a "new door of opportunity" for Bangladesh, with exports likely to start from June.

During his visit, Ambassador Yao Wen toured different mango varieties such as Amrapali, Bari-4, and Katimon and praised the initiatives taken by Bangladeshi farmers and officials. He also interacted with farmers, who explained the cultivation methods and the use of special fruit bags imported from China to protect the mangoes.

Farmer Rafiqul Islam, owner of one of the orchards, highlighted the economic benefit: "While it costs 480-520 taka per kg to export mangoes to Europe or the Middle East, the transport cost to China is only 80-90 taka per kg. This will be highly beneficial for us."

Another farmer, Manik, emphasized the importance of direct exports: "If we can export mangoes directly from the orchards without any third-party involvement, farmers will get a fair price."

Agriculture officials assured that necessary measures are being taken to support the farmers and facilitate the export process. Nachol Upazila Agriculture Officer Saleh Akram confirmed that there are no major obstacles in mango exports and that representatives from Chinese companies will soon visit the orchards again to finalize purchase agreements.

Deputy Director of the Chapainawabganj Department of Agricultural Extension, Dr. Md. Yasin Ali, revealed that China has initially expressed interest in importing up to 120,000 metric tons of Bangladeshi mangoes this year.

According to the Agriculture Department, Chapainawabganj alone has set a production target of 386,000 metric tons of mangoes from 37,504 hectares of orchards this season. Nationwide, Bangladesh is expected to produce approximately 2.7 million metric tons of mangoes, with a goal to export at least 5,000 metric tons.

If the exports proceed as planned, Bangladesh could be poised to set a record in both mango production and international sales this year.

END/MSS/AJ