Dhaka-Beijing to boost strategic partnership
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh has reaffirmed its strong ties with China, describing the country as a “trusted friend and enduring partner,” while China expressed readiness to elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights for the mutual benefit of both nations.
In a joint statement issued following a bilateral meeting in Beijing on Friday, both sides pledged to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, enhance political mutual trust, and align their development strategies.
The meeting was held at the Great Hall of the People between Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During the talks, Professor Yunus conveyed the gratitude of the Bangladeshi government and people for China’s continued support. He highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations and called for further collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative. Yunus welcomed increased Chinese investment in Bangladesh to support the country’s economic transformation and development.
Bangladesh also expressed appreciation for President Xi’s three major global initiatives and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with China to address global challenges and uphold peace, stability, and development. Yunus reiterated Bangladesh’s firm support for the “one-China principle” and its opposition to “Taiwan independence.”
To deepen their cooperation, Bangladesh and China signed nine agreements, including one on “economic and technical cooperation.” Other agreements covered areas such as cultural heritage exchanges, media collaboration, health sector cooperation, and the translation and publication of classic works.
Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Bangladesh expressed its willingness to strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China. Both sides agreed to advance Belt and Road cooperation, enhance collaboration in digital and green economies, and improve infrastructure.
Bangladesh welcomed Chinese participation in major projects, including the Mongla Port Facilities Modernisation and Expansion Project and the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).
China pledged continued support for Bangladesh’s industrialisation and infrastructure development. The two countries also agreed to accelerate discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), boost exports such as mangoes, and encourage Chinese investments through key expos like the China International Import Expo and the China-South Asia Expo.
However, Bangladesh has secured a commitment of $2.1 billion in investments, loans, and grants from China following the “milestone” visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Beijing, officials confirmed on Friday.
Nearly 30 Chinese companies have pledged to invest $1 billion in the exclusive Chinese Industrial Economic Zone in Bangladesh, responding to Prof. Yunus’s call for greater private sector participation in the country’s manufacturing industry.
Additionally, China has committed $400 million for the modernization of Mongla Port, $350 million for the development of the China Industrial Economic Zone, and $150 million in technical assistance.
The remaining funds will come in the form of grants and other lending mechanisms.
Terming the visit ‘historic,’ Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen emphasized its significance in deepening economic ties between the two nations.
Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority and Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority, predicted a surge in Chinese investment in Bangladesh, highlighting the visit’s role in encouraging private sector participation.
The statement highlighted commitments to enhancing cooperation in areas such as hydrological forecasting, disaster prevention, and river management. Both countries welcomed the signing of the Implementation Plan of the MoU on the Exchange of Hydrological Information for the Yarlung Zangbo-Jamuna River and agreed to hold further maritime cooperation dialogues.
Cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges will also be strengthened, with plans for greater collaboration in tourism, media, healthcare, and youth engagement. Bangladesh commended China’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and expressed appreciation for China’s role in facilitating peace talks on Myanmar and the Rohingya repatriation process.
China, in turn, acknowledged Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts in supporting displaced people from Myanmar’s Rakhine State and pledged to continue facilitating dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar to find a mutually acceptable resolution.
President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening political trust, supporting Bangladesh’s sovereignty, and fostering economic cooperation. He also emphasised China’s readiness to work with Bangladesh in promoting an inclusive, multipolar world order and strengthening solidarity among Global South nations.
Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed sincere gratitude to President Xi and the Chinese people for their warm hospitality and extended an invitation for the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.