The government is preparing for Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s visit to China.
An inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by the foreign secretary, was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday to discuss Bangladesh’s agenda for a key meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The discussions covered political relations, trade, health, water, foreign loans, agriculture, connectivity and energy cooperation.
The foreign ministry is working to finalize the specific issues Bangladesh will present during the talks.
A senior foreign ministry official said various ministries presented cooperation proposals related to China at the inter-ministerial meeting, including a list of key projects.
In coordination with the Chief Adviser’s Office, Bangladesh’s stance for the bilateral meeting with President Xi will be determined, they added.
Tentative itinerary
The chief adviser is scheduled to leave for China on March 26 to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Conference in Hainan Province.
On March 27, he will deliver a speech at the conference’s opening plenary session. He may also meet with China’s Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.
On March 28, Chief Adviser Yunus is set to meet President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. On the same day, he will visit a high-tech enterprise under Huawei. Additionally, a leading Chinese media outlet will conduct an interview with him.
On March 29, Peking University will confer an honorary doctorate on Professor Yunus, where he will also deliver a speech. He is expected to return to Dhaka on the same day.
Health cooperation
A significant number of Bangladeshis seek medical treatment abroad, with India being a primary destination.
However, due to visa complications, patients with critical illnesses are facing difficulties.
Bangladesh has requested China to designate four hospitals in Kunming specifically for Bangladeshi patients, ensuring a supportive treatment environment.
The first batch of Bangladeshi patients departed for China on Monday.
Dhaka has also proposed that Beijing assist in establishing a world-class hospital in Bangladesh. This initiative aims to provide advanced medical facilities domestically while maintaining an option for treatment in China.
A government official said: “Whether Bangladeshis choose to seek treatment in China will depend on their experience. The first batch of patients is crucial, as their feedback could influence future decisions.”
The hospital project falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which is expected to take necessary initiatives.
Trade and economic collaboration
Bangladesh is exploring opportunities to establish sunset industries—industries in decline in China—within its territory.
This move would benefit both nations by creating jobs in Bangladesh while allowing China to continue profiting from these industries.
Regarding agricultural cooperation, an official said: “As in many countries, the younger generation in Bangladesh is losing interest in farming. Mechanization is essential for higher productivity with fewer workers. China has made significant advancements in agricultural technology, and we could seek assistance in this sector.”
The prospect of launching a direct Chittagong-Kunming flight is also under discussion, with efforts underway to implement the plan.
Political relations, strategic balance
As the world’s second-largest economy, China aspires to become the leading global power. Given this geopolitical landscape, Bangladesh must carefully navigate its position among major regional and global powers to safeguard its national interests.
A government official said: “Bangladesh has been part of one of China’s four global initiatives since 2016.”
China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, and during President Xi’s visit to Dhaka in 2016, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two countries.
More recently, China has introduced three additional initiatives—Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative.
During Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Dhaka in 2022, he invited Bangladesh to join the Global Development Initiative.
A foreign ministry official said: “The proposal is under review. We are evaluating its various aspects before making a decision.”
