"We have a big consumers market where Bangladeshi businessmen can export more products, " said Si Wei, head of the visiting eight-member delegation of Dehong Chamber of Commerce, China, at a meet with Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in Dhaka yesterday.

He, however, said lack of adequate communication between the two countries stands in the way to doing business properly.

Citing an example, he said the distance between China and Bangladesh is only two hours by air. "But unfortunately, we have no direct air link," he added.

Si Wei said China exported goods worth $1.2 billion to Myanmar in 2005. At the same time, the country exported goods worth $2.4 billion to Bangladesh, which proves that Bangladesh is a potential market for China, he added.

"So, we are very interested to export vegetables, tea, fruits and flower to Bangladesh," the delegation chief said.

Speaking at the meeting, the MCCI leaders urged the Chinese business leaders to invest in light engineering, agro-machinery, light transport (motorcycle), food processing, tourism and infrastructural sectors in Bangladesh.

According to a study of Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro), they said Bangladesh has the second cheapest labour force and labour productivity is higher in nearly all sectors.

"Obviously, foreign investments do not come for wages alone. However, advantages in other relevant factors for investment coupled with the cross- border trade can make investments profitable in Bangladesh," said Latifur Rahman, president of the MCCI.

He said South Asian Free Trade Area (Safta) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) will provide significant opportunities for the Chinese investors to export their products to a third country.

In 2004-05, China's exports to Bangladesh amounted to $1613.49million while Bangladesh's exports to China $57.87million. However, the Chinese government issued a list of 83 items, which, if imported from Bangladesh, will be given tariff and other incentives.

"We look forward to hear about the steps taken by the Chinese government to implement the scheme," the MCCI president said.

AKM Rafiqul Islam, vice-president and CK Hyder, secretary-general of the MCCI, were, among others, present at the meeting.