China keen to boost coop with BD
Staff Reporter :
The Chinese government has pledged to work tirelessly for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people as the two nations embark on a new chapter of enhanced cooperation.
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen made the remarks during a meeting with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Foreign Ministry on Sunday.
During the discussion, Ambassador Yao highlighted the strengthening of bilateral relations and assured Bangladesh of China’s support in various sectors, including health, trade, and hydrology.
Key outcomes of the meeting include: Hydrological Information Sharing: The Ambassador assured that China would soon sign an agreement to share
hydrological data with Bangladesh, a move expected to benefit water resource management.
Interest Rate Adjustment: The Chinese government is considering lowering the interest rates on its loans to Bangladesh, reflecting China’s commitment to economic cooperation. Rohingya Repatriation Support: Yao Wen reiterated China’s backing for the early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, underscoring its role in promoting regional stability.
The meeting also addressed key trade issues, with Md Touhid Hossain expressing gratitude for China’s duty-free, quota-free market access for Bangladeshi products.
He urged China to extend this facility until 2029, beyond Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Ambassador Yao responded positively, announcing that Bangladeshi guava and jackfruits would gain market access to China this year.
In the health sector, Adviser Hossain proposed allocating land in Purbachal for a modern Chinese hospital. Ambassador Yao welcomed the proposal, indicating China’s readiness to proceed with the initiative.
Looking ahead, both sides are optimistic about the upcoming visit of Md Touhid Hossain to China from January 20-24, which is expected to bolster ties further.
Highlighting the visit’s significance, Ambassador Yao stated that the Chinese people are eagerly anticipating the Adviser’s arrival and reaffirmed China’s respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“China is the all-weather, time-tested friend of Bangladesh,” Yao Wen remarked, emphasizing his country’s unwavering support for Bangladesh’s development, stability, and democratic transition.
