Teesta, trade high on China agenda

Bangladesh is aiming to strengthen economic, strategic and development cooperation with Malaysia and China through Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first overseas visit since assuming office in February.

Speaking at a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said the visits, scheduled for 21-26 June, reflect the government’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy focused on advancing national interests, promoting economic growth and enhancing Bangladesh’s international profile.

“The government has maintained active engagement with world leaders and pursued a balanced foreign policy focused on promoting Bangladesh’s economic development and international profile,” Siam said.

The Prime Minister will begin his tour with an official visit to Malaysia on 21-22 June at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He will be accompanied by a 27-member delegation comprising senior ministers and government officials.

Following an official welcome ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, the two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks, followed by delegation-level discussions.

Key agenda items include trade expansion, labour migration, investment cooperation, skilled workforce development, semiconductor industries, agriculture, education and people-to-people connectivity.

Bangladesh will also seek Malaysia’s support in extending the recruitment period for Bangladeshi workers and improving opportunities for migrant workers already employed in the country.

“We will request Malaysia’s support regarding the current situation of Bangladeshi workers and the extension of the joining period,” Siam said.

Dhaka will further urge Malaysia and fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to play a more active role in addressing the Rohingya crisis and the humanitarian situation of displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh.

The two sides are expected to finalise the Terms of Reference for negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement.

Several memoranda of understanding are also under consideration.

Bangladesh will additionally seek support for joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest trade bloc.

Following the Malaysia visit, Tarique Rahman will travel to China on 22 June at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

The visit will begin in Dalian, where the Prime Minister will attend the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, commonly known as the Summer Davos Forum, organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Invited by WEF President and Chief Executive Officer Børge Brende, Rahman is expected to deliver a keynote address on climate leadership and hold meetings with several world leaders attending the forum.

The event, themed “Innovating at Scale”, is expected to bring together more than 1,700 participants from over 90 countries and regions.

On 24 June, the Prime Minister will travel to Beijing as a state guest. He is scheduled to hold separate meetings with Premier Li Qiang and Chinese President Xi Jinping, alongside discussions with senior Communist Party officials and the Chairman of the China Development Bank.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) will organise an investment conference during the visit to promote Bangladesh’s investment opportunities to Chinese businesses.

According to the Foreign Secretary, bilateral talks will focus on trade, investment, connectivity, infrastructure development, economic cooperation and future strategic engagement.

Bangladesh and China are considering signing between 15 and 17 bilateral instruments, including two agreements, around 13 memoranda of understanding, a protocol and an action plan.

Responding to questions, Siam said discussions on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project were continuing.
“A study has already been completed and we are reviewing it.

We hope the issue will be discussed during the visit in detail,” he said, adding that integrated water management would be a major topic of discussion.

Siam also said Bangladesh welcomed the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and was assessing potential participation.
“We welcome these initiatives. Whether we formally join any of them will become clearer after the visit,” he said.

He confirmed that defence cooperation would also feature in bilateral discussions, describing China as an important partner in Bangladesh’s defence sector.

However, he noted that specific procurement issues are generally handled at the operational level.

A joint statement is expected to be issued at the conclusion of the visit on 26 June, underscoring the growing importance of Bangladesh’s relations with both Malaysia and China.