Bangladesh and China Push for Closer Ties, Key Projects
On Sunday, Bangladesh and China talked about ways to make their partnership stronger. They recently discussed many important topics together. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.
One key topic was working together on the Teesta River Project. They also want to start a high-level meeting between their foreign ministers. Another goal is to begin defence talks between state ministers.
State Minister Humaiun Kobir called China a trusted friend of Bangladesh. He also said China is a valuable strategic partner. He confirmed Bangladesh’s support for the one-China policy.
The State Minister expressed happiness about the new strength in country-to-country relations. This followed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent successful visit to China. Mr. Kobir hopes to build a “Bangladesh-China community with common future goals.” This community would be based on partnership.
Ambassador Yao Wen congratulated Humaiun Kobir on becoming state minister. He asked for cooperation to advance the close relations between the two countries. The Chinese ambassador also shared a message of congratulations from China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister.
Ambassador Yao Wen gave an update on the results of the prime minister’s visit. This included the start of the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ). They also signed a business agreement for modernizing Mongla Port. China might also help set up the Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
The Chinese ambassador said the CEIZ plans to attract around 30 Chinese companies. These companies are expected to invest about US$500 million. This will create jobs for about 100,000 Bangladeshis.
The two sides also discussed exporting jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh to China. They talked about working together through the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor. The Rohingya issue was also part of their discussion.
Ambassador Yao Wen spoke about upcoming high-level visits from China. These visitors include a vice-chairman from CIDCA and a minister from the Communist Party of China. The executive vice-governor of Yunnan Province will also visit. The Chinese ambassador invited State Minister Humaiun Kobir to visit China in October.
