NN Online:
Bangladesh and China have agreed to further strengthen their diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties as the two nations mark 50 years of bilateral relations. The commitment was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting between Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and Chinese Executive Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference.
Vice-Premier Ding, who led the Chinese delegation, conveyed President Xi Jinping’s strong support for Bangladesh’s Interim Government and its leadership under Prof Yunus. “President Xi Jinping attaches tremendous importance to your visit,” Ding stated, expressing China’s goodwill for Bangladesh’s economic and social progress.
During the meeting, Chief Adviser Yunus reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to the One-China policy and highlighted Dhaka’s pioneering role as the first South Asian nation to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He also sought Beijing’s assistance in key development projects and called for a reduction of interest rates on Chinese loans from 3 per cent to 1-2 per cent to ease financial burdens on Bangladesh.
China agreed to extend duty-free and quota-free access to Bangladeshi products until 2028, beyond Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Additionally, China expressed willingness to initiate free trade agreement negotiations with Bangladesh.
Beijing pledged financial support for the modernization of Mongla Port and the Dasherkandi Sewage Project, along with funding for the procurement of four ocean-going vessels for Bangladesh Shipping Corporation.
Dhaka sought Chinese cooperation in relocating Chinese industries to Bangladesh, including ready-made garments, electric vehicles, high-tech electronics, chip manufacturing, and solar panels.
China confirmed that mango imports from Bangladesh would begin this summer, with plans to include jackfruit, guava, and other aquatic products to reduce trade imbalances.
The Chinese government and universities pledged to offer more scholarships to Bangladeshi students, adding to the thousands already studying in China.
Beijing expressed its intent to mediate between Bangladesh and Myanmar to help resolve the Rohingya refugee crisis.
Chief Adviser Yunus welcomed China’s commitments and expressed optimism about the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. “Let us resolve to work together to usher in a new era of friendship, cooperation, and collaboration,” he said.
Present at the meeting were Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, Energy, Rail and Road Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to the Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury.
