Chinese team to assess industrial potential in northern region

A Chinese delegation is expected to visit Bangladesh within the next two months to examine opportunities for industrial investment in the country’s northern region, a move that could help expand economic activities and create employment, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Friday.

Speaking as the chief guest at a programme held at Shaheed Mohammad Ali Stadium in Thakurgaon, Fakhrul said industrialisation remains essential for national development and job creation, adding that the government is pursuing initiatives to establish industries in different parts of the country.
China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, was also present at the event.

Highlighting the prospects of the northern region, the minister said areas such as Thakurgaon offer considerable potential for industrial development. He noted that a Chinese delegation would arrive within the next couple of months to assess the viability of setting up industries there.
“We want to build industries in the country. There is considerable scope for industrialisation in this region, including Thakurgaon.

A Chinese delegation will arrive within the next couple of months to evaluate these opportunities,” he said.

Fakhrul stressed that sustainable national progress cannot depend solely on foreign assistance and must be driven by stronger domestic capacity, expanded education and hard work. Referring to China’s economic transformation, he said the country had achieved global economic prominence through its own efforts, skilled workforce and productive activities.

He said Bangladesh must similarly advance by relying on its own strengths and capabilities to achieve long-term development and prosperity.

The minister also highlighted the importance of education and human resource development, saying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has undertaken various initiatives to help build a more educated, skilled and capable younger generation. He called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure quality education and strong moral values for future generations.

Addressing the programme, Ambassador Yao Wen said Bangladesh and China would continue efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation. He confirmed that a Chinese delegation is expected to visit the area in July or August this year to identify potential avenues for cooperation and investment.

After the programme, the guests distributed educational materials among 6,308 students from 36 educational institutions in the Thakurgaon municipal area.

Public representatives, teachers, political leaders and people from different walks of life attended the event.