China ready to proceed with Teesta project
Diplomatic Correspondent :
China has been waiting for the response from Bangladesh to implement the Teesta Project for the greater benefits of the people of that region.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen came up with the remarks in response to a question of the journalists during a press meet at the Chinese Embassy on Tuesday.
“The Teesta is a huge project. The government of Bangladesh wanted to move with the project with the assistance of China. Some five years have already passed.
We suggested the government to implement the project phase by phase. But we have not got any feedback from the government,” he said.
He also said, “Bangladesh is a sovereign country. You take your own decision.
China is ready to proceed with the project. We are waiting for the response from Bangladesh side for the implementation of it.”
Tens of thousands of people on the back of Teesta River held a two-day demonstration demanding the fare share of water and implementation of Teeta project immediately to save their lives and livelihoods from desertification.
“Whether this project is done by China or Bangladesh side, our aspiration is that the project should be done as soon as possible for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Asked about whether China would assist the interim government in its reform initiative, he said, “It is an internal matter of Bangladesh.
We wish that this issue would be sorted out by all the political stakeholders in Bangladesh. As a friend of Bangladesh we want to see Bangladesh to return to normal track. We hope to see unity, stability and development here.”
In reply to a question about the progress of dedicated hospitals for Bangladeshi patients, the Chinese Ambassador said, “China has prepared three hospitals in Kunming dedicated for the Bangladeshi patients who wish to take medical treatment there. It would be very cost effective for the patients under a package.”
He also said, “By the end of this month, a batch of patents, doctors, travel agents would visit Kunming before Ramadan.
The patients would receive treatment there and observe the situation in the three hospitals. China Eastern Airlines would provide cheapest rate of air tickets for the patients.”
About the Rohingya repatriation, he said, “China is determined to play a role in the repatriation process. However, the current situation in Rakhine is very volatile as the Arakan Army has occupied the area. From Chinese side, we would do our collaboration.”
Responding to a question about defence cooperation, he said, “China and Bangladesh cooperation is comprehensive including defence. We are willing to provide assistance in defence cooperation.”
About the Chinese investment during the interim government, Yao Wen said, “China the largest investor in Bangladesh. Since last August, at least 13 Chinese companies have signed investment agreements with Bangladesh partners, with a total intended investment of around $230 million.
He also said that currently, over 30 companies have signed letters of intent to invest in the China Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram, with a total investment exceeding one billion USD.
China hopes that the interim government will approve the industrial park project as soon as possible and stands ready to expand cooperation with Bangladesh in emerging fields such as digital economy, green economy, renewable energy, agriculture, AI, and so forth.
China will also encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest and thrive in Bangladesh, he said.
About Chinese loan, he said, “China and Bangladesh are good neighbours supporting each other and trusted partners pursuing shared development. China never attaches conditions on the loans.”
About Chinese import from Bangladesh, he said, “China is accelerating the process of importing fresh mangoes. This trade is expected to kick off this May. China also plans to import guavas, jackfruits and aquatic products.”
About the outcome of the visit of Foreign Adviser to the Interim Government Md Touhid Hossain, the Chinese Ambassador said, this visit has sent a clear political signal of mutual support between China and Bangladesh, and offers an opportunity to consolidate and deepen the mutual trust and friendship between the two countries.
About the marking of the 50th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations this year, he said, “Our bilateral relationship now stands at a historic moment of building upon past achievements and writing new chapters.”