Bangladesh has ranked third among food importing countries for importing around 12.5 million tonnes of food products from the global market in 2021, according to the latest report of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)'s recently published World Food and Agriculture Annual Statistical Booklet 2023, Bangladesh produced around 93.3 million tonnes of agricultural produce in 2021.  China ranks first in food imports, while the Philippines comes up second. In the same year, the country imported around 12.5 million tons of food products from the global market. The highest food import expenditure is still made on wheat, edible oil, and milk powder. Indicating that the cost of import-dependent food products in Bangladesh is high, FAO mentioned that the per capita consumption of edible oil, meat, milk, and such nutritious food is the lowest. However, the per capita consumption of food produced in the country, like rice, vegetables, fish, and fruit is good. In this category, the people of Bangladesh are ahead in calorie consumption, the report said. Commenting on the data, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque told the media: "We have taken the initiative to increase the production of import-dependent food products. Production of edible oil, onions, and lentils is increasing as a result of innovating new varieties and providing incentives to the farmers. We hope these agricultural products will curb Bangladesh's dependence on imported agricultural products." The FAO report, however, highlighted that Bangladesh has fallen behind in food exports. The top five countries in food exports are, in order, the US, UK, Germany, China and France. Bangladesh is near the bottom.

In a celebration of bilateral trade and mutual prosperity, 27 companies were recognized at the “China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award 2023” for their remarkable contributions toward fostering economic ties in these two countries. Fifteen winners were Bangladeshi enterprises, while twelve stemmed from China, a testament to the vitality of the business connections that have blossomed under the Belt and Road Initiative’s decade of operation.   The award ceremony, meticulously organized by the Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), took place at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on 21 December 2023. The event shed light on the prosperous synergy emerging between the two nations, spotlighting the role of successful companies in this blossoming partnership.   Present at this event were high-ranking officials such as H.E. Yao Wen, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh; Lokman Hossain Miah, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Anowar Hossain, the Additional Secretary of ERD, amongst others. The Chinese Ambassador emphasised the crucial function of political leaders in steering the course of bilateral relations. He highlighted how recent interactions between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have breathed fresh life into these ties, setting in motion a new phase of cooperation. It was also marked that China has consistently remained Bangladesh’s most significant trading partner for 13 years running, and the largest source of imports. The ambassador spoke of the decreased trade deficit with China by 16%, pointing towards an effective improvement in dealing with the trade imbalance. Additionally, China has proved to be a predominant source of foreign direct investment for Bangladesh, amounting to a stock of 3.17 billion US dollars as of September.   Mr. Ke Changliang, President of the CEAB, spoke of the burgeoning economic rapport between China and Bangladesh, signifying a foundation for shared benefit and prosperity. He spoke of the CEAB members’ profound impact on the region, providing upwards of a half a million direct jobs to local individuals, therefore, emphasizing the enterprises’ commitment to responsible and positive business practices.   The China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award 2023 not only celebrates the triumphs of the awarded companies but also marks the decade-long journey of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This esteemed event serves as recognition of the firm alliances built over this period and the promising growth that lies ahead in the realm of Chinese-Bangladeshi bilateral trade relations. The vibrancy and vigor with which these ties continue to flourish, stand true to the spirit of mutual growth and shared success.   A total of 27 companies, 15 from Bangladesh and 12 from China, have won the “China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award 2023” for their outstanding performance in boosting the bilateral trade between the two countries during the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. This is the first ever such type of program happened in Bangladesh.   To strengthen the consistent sustainable development of Bangladesh; Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) and Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) have formed a bilateral committee to organize China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award which shall held every year from now on to boost the Bangladesh-China business cooperation.   Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) recently established eight specialized industrial branches under the guidance of H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh; which are as follows- Power and Energy, Road and Bridge, Railway and Civil Aviation, Water and Environment, Marine and Harbour, Information and Communication Technology, Textile and Garment, Trade and Services. Every specialized branch underscores the dedication to actively contributing to key sectors essential for the advancement of Bangladesh. Even the above stated branches are the strong monument of bilateral cooperation between both the countries- China and Bangladesh.   In the coming years, apart from the 8 industries mentioned before CEAB will further nourish renewable energy, ICT, smart agriculture, and green Infrastructure sectors in Bangladesh for sustainable development following the vision of Smart Bangladesh.   In the 1st China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award program 2023, for awards nomination and final selection the committee has prioritized in category aspects as above stated the eight industrial branches where the awarded organizations actively contributing to key sectors essential for the advancement of Bangladesh: Power and Energy, Road and Bridge, Railway and Civil Aviation, Water and Environment, Marine and Harbour, Information and Communication Technology, Textile and Garment, Trade and Services. Besides these, the committee has recognized in four more categories of award for Bilateral Business Excellence Award for Women, SME Rising Star, CSR and Significant Contribution which have great impact in business and civil society eventually in the country’s ultimate development.   Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) always encourages the strong presence of women in the business community. One Chinese and one Bangladeshi female recipient of the Bilateral Business Excellence Award for Women serve as inspirations to countless others, breaking barriers and paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. While many Chinese enterprises boast a robust financial foundation, it also will acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of two small and medium enterprises, one from Bangladesh and one from China, to recognize their contribution and to inspire further growth in bilateral trade and economic cooperation.   The bilateral committee which is jointly formed by BCCCI and CEAB is committed to organize “China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award” annually to boost the Bangladesh-China business cooperation.

Naheed Ezaher Khan, MP and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Mr. Masud Bin Momen received Queen Mother Dorji Wanmgmo Wangchuckand and her Royal Delegation of Bhutan during their transit at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka this evening (22 December, 2023). The Queen Mother conveyed her best regards, appreciation and deep respect to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on behalf of her Royal Family. She also deeply appreciated the Government of Bangladesh for making all the arrangements during the transit at Dhaka.

Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Bangladesh Archbishop Kevin S. Randall paid maiden call on Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Ambassador Masud Bin Momen on Thursday, December 21, at his office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Foreign Secretary congratulated Archbishop Kevin S. Randall on his assumption of responsibilities as the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Bangladesh and assured him full support in discharging his responsibilities.  The Foreign Secretary highlighted Bangladesh’s glorious history of religious harmony and age-old tradition of peaceful coexistence of the people of different religions. He commended the significant role played by the Christian community in Bangladesh through their noticeable involvement in promoting education and social services.  The Apostolic Nuncio appreciated religious harmony in Bangladesh and expressed satisfaction at the constitutional guarantee to freedom of religion. The Foreign Secretary commended the Holy See’s constructive role in promoting global peace and harmony and hoped that the Holy See would apply its high moral standing to impress people across the globe to respect the sacred values and religious symbols of all religions. The Foreign Secretary deeply appreciated Pope Francis’ personal commitment to the cause of over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas, who fled atrocities in their homeland in Myanmar, and briefed the Apostolic Nuncio about the Rohingyas in Bangladesh and the need for their safe, voluntary and dignified return to their homeland Myanmar at an early date.  He urged the Holy See to encourage Myanmar authorities to create conducive environment for the sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas.

On the occasion of the 53rd Victory Day (21 December 2023), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh successfully concluded the “2nd Bangabandhu Diplomatic Cup” Tennis Tournament-2023 with the final match between Team Pakistan (High Commission of Pakistan) and Team Denmark (Embassy of Denmark) followed by a prize giving ceremony. The highly competitive match ended with the winning of the Team Denmark and the Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Møller won the best player medal in the tournament. Ashrafuzzaman Khan (Puton), President of the Dhaka Club was the Chief Guest of the prize giving ceremony and Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) was present as the Special Guest.  The High Commissioner of Pakistan Syed Ahmed Maroof, and Chief of Protocol Nayem Uddin Ahmed were present during the prize giving ceremony. Diplomats from eight different countries: Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Pakistan, Russia, Sweden, UK and the Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in the tournament symbolizing goodwill and unity. Participation of the diplomats from several countries made the event a successful one, who aptly demonstrated athletic abilities, sportsmanship, and great acumen throughout the tournament.