Bangladesh and China on Thursday agreed to deepen cooperation in river management, including the “Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project," as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought greater Chinese support for water resource management, flood control and environmental protection efforts.
The understanding came during a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying at the State Guest House Diaoyutai in Beijing, according to a press release issued by the PM’s Press Wing.
During the talks, Tarique Rahman highlighted Bangladesh's ongoing river dredging program aimed at reducing flood risks, protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainable management of water resources.
He sought China's cooperation in strengthening Bangladesh's water resource management capacity and expressed hope for Chinese technical assistance in implementing the Teesta River project.
Responding positively, Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying assured all-out cooperation in the Bangladesh government's initiatives related to water resource management.
He referred to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Bangladesh and China in 2005 and noted that Chinese water experts visited Bangladesh last year as part of ongoing bilateral engagement in the sector.
The Chinese minister said cooperation between the two countries in water resource management has been practical, research-based and mutually beneficial.
The prime minister sought Chinese government support in preventing river erosion, improving irrigation management and enhancing inland navigation in Bangladesh.
The Chinese minister said Bangladesh could benefit from China's experience in water management.
He also invited Bangladeshi water experts and officials concerned in the sector to receive training in China.
Riverbank erosion remains a major challenge in many parts of Bangladesh, displacing thousands of people every year and causing significant economic losses.
The Teesta River project has been a key priority for Bangladesh as the government aims to improve water management, enhance irrigation facilities, protect riverbanks and boost economic activities in the country's northern region.
A minister present at the meeting said the meeting demonstrated both countries' commitment to expanding cooperation in water resources and exploring new areas of partnership to support sustainable development.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Prime Minister's Advisers Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Humaiun Kobir and Mahdi Amin, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were present at the meeting.