United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday laid emphasis on working together with China to give jute a right place in Bangladesh’s economic programmes paying due respect and reviving the lost glory. "This country is a unique country that produces enormous quantities of natural fibre. Together, we can make a wonderful start of jute to give it a right place in our economic programme," he said, thanking Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao who mentioned the potential of jute and jute products. "When you mention that you are excited about jute and see jute products, this means a lot for the nation," Prof Yunus said, adding that jute is the natural fibre in the world that they have failed to respect. Speaking at the ‘China-Bangladesh Conference on Investment and Trade’, the Chief Adviser said this is a historic moment for the Bangladesh-China enduring friendship. "When you talk about jute, it is an emotional issue for Bangladesh," Prof Yunus said, noting that jute remains a fiber just for making sacks. Calling Bangladesh a home to ‘Jamdani’ and many other fabrics, he said jute can be used in multiple ways. Prof Yunus also recalled the lost glory of Muslin as Dhaka muslin was the most valuable fabric on the planet. China vows to boost Bangladesh’s export capacity  The Chinese Commerce Minister arrived in Dhaka on Saturday to discuss trade and investment opportunities with Bangladesh and elevate the ‘Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ between the two countries to a new height. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Chinese Commerce Minister on Saturday in addition to holding their bilateral meeting. Chinese Minister Wang joined the conference as a special guest. “It will serve as a platform for business communities of both countries to explore more cooperation opportunities, foster more fruitful outcomes in China-Bangladesh economic and trade cooperation,” said Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. Wang is leading a delegation consisting of over 100 Chinese companies to visit Bangladesh. Around 250 investors and businesspeople representing 100 Chinese companies will attend the conference, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) jointly organised the event. Ambassador Yao said the visit of the largest-ever business delegation in Bangladesh from China, led by the Chinese minister of commerce, sends a ‘strong signal’ of openness, cooperation and mutual benefit.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left Qatar for the Vatican on Friday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis and pay his last tribute to the Pope. His presence represents a significant tribute to the memory of the Pontiff, with whom he had established a deep and genuine bond, founded on shared values and a common vision for humanity. The chief adviser is expected to reach Rome by 2:15 pm (Italy time), where he will be received by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Italy and the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Vatican City, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. The Chief of Protocol of the State of Qatar, Ibrahim bin Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo, saw off Prof Yunus at Hamad International Airport in Doha as he departed for the Vatican around 12:25pm (Bangladesh Time). An hour after his arrival, the chief adviser will visit St. Peter Square at 3:15 pm on Friday to pay homage to the mortal remains of Pope Francis. Bangladesh to observe 3-day state mourning following Pope Francis’ death His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Vicar General of His Holiness for Vatican City, will offer an official greeting to the chief adviser and the Bangladesh delegation at St. Peter Square. On Saturday, at around 9:30 am, Prof Yunus will again visit St. Peter Square to attend the Funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis, Azad said. He will depart the Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport around 8:00 am (12:00pm Bangladesh Standard Time)on Sunday and is expected to reach home in the early hours on Monday.