Bangladesh, China to elevate ties to new height

BEIJING, March 28: China and Bangladesh have decided to elevate their relations to a new height after a historic bilateral meeting between President Xi Jinping and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The meeting held at the Chinese capital's Great Hall of the People discussed issues of mutual interest, with President Xi Jinping reiterating China's full support for the Chief Adviser and the reform agenda of the Interim Government.

Bestowing a rare honour to the Bangladesh leader, President Xi came out from his office to greet Professor Yunus as he arrived at the Great Hall, accompanied by two advisers.

Later, the two leaders led their respective sides in a bilateral meeting, marked by warmth and candour. It was the first bilateral visit by the Chief Adviser to a foreign country.

Describing Bangladesh as an important neighbour of China, President Xi Jinping offered to share Beijing's development experiences and boost cooperation with Bangladesh to help it grow fast.

The Chinese President said China would continue to grant zero-tariff facilities to Bangladeshi goods and extend the status until the end of 2028 – two years after Bangladesh's scheduled graduation from a least developed country.

He said Beijing would like to start negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and Investment Agreement with Dhaka to pave the way for more Chinese investment in the South Asian nation. 

President Xi said his government would encourage more Chinese private investment and relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh after the Chief Adviser sought his active support for this major shift in Chinese investment policy.

The Chinese President said China would support building an exclusive Chinese industrial economic zone and industrial parks in Bangladesh. He welcomed more Bangladeshi products to China and "high-quality" cooperation in BRI projects, as well as the digital and maritime economy.

The Chinese president welcomed more Bangladeshis to seek treatment in hospitals in Yunnan and other provinces of China. China has also announced it would build a specialised hospital in Bangladesh.

The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh wants to elevate its relationship with China to a new height. He also sought Chinese support in resolving the Rohingya crisis. 

President Xi reiterated China's support for the repatriation of the forcibly displaced people of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh.

Professor Yunus sought China's support for young people's dreams to create a new Bangladesh and invited Beijing to set up a China cultural centre in Bangladesh. He also sought a cut in interest rates for Chinese project loans and a waiver of the commitment fees charged on the borrowing.

President Xi recalled his two visits to Bangladesh and said he studied microcredit, pioneered by Professor Yunus, when he was the governor of Fujian province.

He said China would give a positive consideration to the issues raised by the Chief Adviser.

He said he tasted Bangladeshi mango and jackfruit and appreciated their quality, as China is poised to import the fruits from the country.

The two leaders also discussed China's support for the Teesta River project, the purchase of multiple-role combat aircraft and multimodal transport connectivity linking the southern Chinese city of Kunming with Bangladeshi ports.

"Today, we witnessed history in the making. This is a transformational visit, and the two leaders have laid a solid foundation for intensified strategic ties, which will last through decades," said Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative of Chief Adviser, who is on the Bangladesh delegation to China. 

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, Chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission Zheng Shanjie, and vice foreign minister Sun Weidong were among senior Chinese officials who were present at the meeting.

Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan and High Representative of the Chief Adviser, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, also joined the meeting from the Bangladesh side.

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