Seeking more concessional market access for Bangladeshi products to China to reduce trade imbalance, President Abdul Hamid here today hoped that China would continue its assistance and cooperation to help Bangladesh materialize its dream of becoming a middle income by 2021.
During a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Great Hall, the president hoped that Chine would channel greater Chinese investment into Bangladesh along with its continual assistance and collaboration in the fields of defence, agriculture and climate change management.
During the 30-minute meeting, both the presidents emphasised strengthening further the bilateral relations in different areas, including economy, for their mutual benefits, President's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told BSS after the meeting.
Lauding China for its significant role in the overall progress of Bangladesh, Hamid said Bangladesh is poised to emerge as a middle income "Digital Bangladesh" by 2021, the 50th anniversary of its independence.
"China is a natural and time tested friend of Bangladesh and the excellent friendly and good neighbourly relationship between Bangladesh and China has grown from strength to strength over the years," he added.
Bangladesh attaches highest importance to its relations with the People's Republic of China, he said, adding that the foundation of this relationship was laid by the visit of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China in 1952 and 1957.
Terming China as one of the most reliable development partners of Bangladesh, the President extended his sincere thanks and appreciation for continued Chinese assistance and support for various key development projects in Bangladesh.
In this regard, the President recalled with immense happiness and satisfaction for signing a number of agreements and MoUs by the two sides during the recent visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China.
"We look forward to the early implementation of these projects with support from China so that the pace of Bangladesh's socio-economic development gathers further strength and substance," Hamid said.
Appreciating China for taking some preferential measures to address the trade imbalance, he said bilateral trade, amounting to over US$10 billion in the last financial year despite worldwide recession, is expected to increase further in the years to come.
Bangladesh is going to host the second Joint Study Group Meeting of the BCIM-EC, he said adding that Dhaka remains fully committed to establishing direct road, rail and air connectivity between Kunming and Chittagong to further strengthen and activate the existing relationship between the two countries.
About cooperation in the field of defence, the President said the supply of defense hardware as well as the training programmes offered to members of Bangladesh defence forces has indeed strengthened the defence capability of Bangladesh.
He hoped that the cooperation in this areas including, information sharing and technology transfer in various defence domains, will be further strengthened. He also sought more Chinese assistance for further developing the agricultural research capacities of Bangladesh.
During the meeting, Abdul Hamid invited Chinese president to visit Bangladesh any time next year to celebrate 40 years of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.
Chinese President Xi Jingping highly appreciated Bangladesh's socio-economic development and assured his Bangladesh counterpart of continuation of Chinese grants and assistance for Bangladesh.
He expressed happiness for joining of Bangladesh to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). He said China will invite 100 youths from Bangladesh to visit China next year.
Later, President Abdul Hamid joined a luncheon meeting hosted by Chinese Vice-President Li Yuanchao at Wanliutang Diaoyutai guest house. Abul Hamid said China is a long trusted friend of Bangladesh and both the countries are enjoying excellent bilateral relations.
Li Yuanchao appreciated Bangladesh for supporting one China policy Senior secretary to the President Shaikh Altaf Ali and secretary (Bilateral) foreign ministry, among others, were present.