Diplomatic Correspondent :
China has reaffirmed its deep commitment to elevating its longstanding relationship with Bangladesh, highlighting a new era of strategic cooperation built on mutual trust, people-to-people ties, and shared development.
Speaking at the “China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchange Year: Yunnan Education and Healthcare Promotion” event at Dhaka University, Ambassador Yao emphasized that the 50-year diplomatic relationship has reached a turning point.
Governor of China’s Yunnan Province, Wang Yubo said that China and Bangladesh have elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Both countries have worked together to build the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and advance the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, achieving significant progress.
Mentioning the recent visit of Chief Adviser to the Interim Government Prof Muhammad Yunus and his meeting with President Xi Jinping, he said, “The ongoing Education and Healthcare Promotion event is a concrete step toward implementing the important consensus reached by the two leaders, while also strengthening the deep-rooted China-Bangladesh friendship.”
Given the strengthening China-Bangladesh relations, cooperation between Yunnan and Bangladesh in areas such as trade, economy, education, healthcare, agricultural technology and tourism continues to deepen, he added.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said, “The China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership has now been elevated to a new and higher level. We will do our utmost to deliver on the outcomes of the visit by enhancing political mutual trust and consolidating people-to-people exchanges.”
He also noted that cooperation in education and healthcare remains central to bilateral priorities. He stressed the importance of local-level collaboration, particularly between Yunnan Province and cities like Dhaka and Chattogram. “Yunnan Province has become a champion of cooperation with Bangladesh.
This year, it has designated four hospitals to receive Bangladeshi patients, and the first batch has already arrived for treatment,” he announced. “More public and private hospitals will open their doors to Bangladeshi patients, and we will provide all necessary visa facilitation.”
In another development aimed at boosting connectivity, a new direct flight route between Kunming and Chattogram is set to launch soon, enhancing exchanges and tourism, he said.
Ambassador Yao also shared a historic milestone in trade relations-beginning May 8, Bangladesh will export fresh mangoes to China for the first time. “Kunming and Yunnan will proudly be the first regions in China to taste Bangladesh’s finest mangoes,” he said.
The ceremony also marked the participation of 12 universities and six medical institutions from Yunnan Province. Ten cooperation agreements and five new collaboration centers are expected to be launched between the two sides.
“I promise even more universities and medical institutions from both countries will join hands for deeper cooperation,” Yao said.
Looking ahead, the ambassador announced that over 200 Chinese companies from Beijing will visit Bangladesh next month to explore investment opportunities, signaling strong economic engagement.
“Together, we can make a difference-one that benefits our people and the future generation,” he said, reaffirming China’s determination to work with Bangladesh in shaping a better future for youth.
He concluded by emphasising China’s commitment to a “community with a shared future for mankind,” calling for peace, development, and friendship among neighbors.
“Let us wish that the China-Bangladesh friendship shines bright and lasts for generations to come,” Yao said.
The event was co-hosted by the People’s Government of Yunnan Province and the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, further highlighting the growing cooperation between regional authorities and central governments.
Health and Family Welfare Advisor, Nurjahan Begum, echoed similar sentiments, noting that Bangladesh seeks to deepen ties with China in the areas of health and education.
She pointed out that Bangladesh is an active importer of medical equipment from China and a growing number of students are showing interest in studying there.
She also thanked China for the medical support provided to victims of the recent jewelry market explosion, and for its initiative in establishing a 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur Division. China would provide $138.20 million dollars in aid to help improve the healthcare infrastructure of Bangladesh, she added.
Dhaka University Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, hailed the event as a celebration of long-standing friendship.
He stated that although the formal diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and China spans 50 years, historical ties date back over 2,000 years. He expressed appreciation for China’s support to Dhaka University, including assistance in building a female residence hall.
Governor of Yunnan Wang Yubo also met with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the State Guest House Padma. The meeting focused on deepening cooperation between Yunnan Province and the port city of Chattogram, recognising their strategic importance in enhancing regional connectivity.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration across various sectors, including trade, medical services, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
