Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to China will further strengthen the partnership between the two countries.
“Relations between Bangladesh and China have reached a new height. China will continue to provide all-out support to Bangladesh in maintaining political stability, economic development and public welfare activities," he said while speaking at a roundtable discussion titled ‘China-Bangladesh Governance Experience Exchange’ held at InterContinental Dhaka in the capital on Friday.
Yao said high-level communication between the two countries had become closer since the new government in Bangladesh assumed office.
He also described the recent visit of Bangladesh’s foreign minister to China and the publication of the first-ever joint statement by the two countries as significant progress in bilateral relations.
The ambassador said China would continue to support Bangladesh in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. At the same time, he expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s continued support for the ‘One China’ policy.
Highlighting China’s contribution to Bangladesh’s economic development, the ambassador said Chinese companies had invested nearly $10 crore in Bangladesh since the formation of the new government, creating employment opportunities for around 10,000 people.
He said China was working on several major projects, including the Teesta River master plan, the modernization of Mongla Port and the construction of an international-standard residential hall for female students at University of Dhaka.
The ambassador also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in green energy, information technology and electric vehicles.
“Beijing wants to work more closely in the renewable energy sector to ensure Bangladesh’s energy security,” he added.
Yao said people-to-people contact between the two countries had increased more than ever before. So far this year, China has issued visas to 32,000 Bangladeshis, and the number could exceed 100,000 by the end of the year.
Currently, 45 direct flights operate every week between Bangladesh and China.
Praising the Bangladesh government’s action-oriented initiatives, the ambassador said: “At a time of global instability and energy crisis, China wants to stand beside Bangladesh as its most reliable development partner.”
He added that China was ready to share its experience particularly in agriculture, healthcare and grassroots governance.
The ambassador expressed hope that the prime minister’s upcoming visit would further strengthen the ‘comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership’ between Bangladesh and China.
