The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has set a target to export 1.2 lakh (120,000) metric tons of mangoes to China in current season.
To oversee preparations and assess ground-level challenges, EPB Vice-Chairman Md. Anwar Hossain visited Chapainawabganj, a major mango-producing district in the country.
During his visit on Tuesday, he toured export-ready mango orchards at Shibganj upazila and held discussions with local farmers and entrepreneurs. He later attended a discussion meeting organized by Chapainawabganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Speaking at the event, Anwar Hossain emphasized that with improvements in quality control and packaging, mangoes from Chapainawabganj could become highly competitive in global market. “We want to strengthen our footprint in international markets, and China is a key destination this year,” he said.
To support sustainable export growth, EPB is planning several initiatives, including the formation of a National Mango Board, development of a mango export policy and establishment of hot water treatment plants to meet phytosanitary standards.
Plans are also underway to install modern mango processing units, provide low-cost solar panels to farmers, launch cargo flights from Rajshahi Airport and set up an agriculture-based Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
In a bid to attract global attention to Bangladeshi mangoes, EPB also plans to organize a “Mango Festival” next month in Chapainawabganj. Foreign diplomats and international buyers will be invited to experience the region’s famed mango varieties. “This initiative will help promote our mangoes globally and bring in significant foreign currency,” Anwar Hossain added.
He also addressed the current challenges in mango exports via land routes to India, stating that the government is actively working to resolve the issue and expects a solution soon.
The discussion was chaired by Chamber President Abdul Wahed and attended by EPB Product Director Md. Shahjalal, Chamber Vice-President Akhtarul Islam Rimon, as well as local growers and traders.
JP/SH
