Mangoes sweeten trade ties between China, Bangladesh

Strong competition

Bangladeshi mango exporters, however, face strong global competition to gain a sizable share of the Chinese market.

Several mango-exporting countries — such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan and Peruare already active in the Chinese market, and these countries often have trade agreements or geographical advantages, which can affect pricing and market share, Sultana said.

Despite the competition, with the right approach there is room for success in the Chinese market, she said.

"To strengthen their own position, it's essential to focus on strict quality control, modern packaging, cold chain infrastructure, and compliance with China's phytosanitary regulations," said Sultana.

Apart from China, the key export markets for Bangladeshi mangoes include the Middle East, Asian countries, Canada, and the European Union, said Kamal, from Meridian.

"What sets Bangladeshi mangoes apart is their juiciness and sweetness, which is a byproduct of our soil and climate," she said.

"More importantly, at Meridian Agro, we focus on natural harvesting and healthy products. Our traditional farming methods and near-organic harvesting practices cater to the growing demand for natural and healthy produce."

While the company has a longstanding trade relationship with China, primarily through imports, Kamal said the Chinese market remains a major opportunity.

Mohammad Kalim Uddin, senior figure in supply chain management for the Meridian Group, said the company plans to replicate its existing overseas marketing strategies, emphasizing quality and organic production to penetrate the Chinese market. Meridian also has its own nursery development, and extends its nursery capacity every year, he said.

China expects to sell over 100 tons of Bangladeshi mangoes in the first year of sales, according to Xinhua.