Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jun said there would be a positive outcome to deep-sea port and exclusive economic zone for Chinese investors during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China.
“There are important progress related to China EPZ and deep-sea port. ..I think there will be some outcomes – very positive outcome to the deep-sea port and China EPZ,” he said while talking with a small group of reporters yesterday.
The prime minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka today on a five-day trip to China and come back on June 11.
Li Jun said China is open for a consortium of any countries. “China is open to cooperate with any other partners outside including Indian and Bangladesh companies.”
When asked about an estimated cost of the project, he said: “Perhaps that is the next steps.”
Sonadia is located in very important location and it will not only benefit Bangladesh, but also India’s seven sisters, Myanmar and Southwest China will be benefitted, he said.
The distance between Kunming and Chittagong is less than 1,000 kilometres whereas the distance from Kunming to its nearest sea port Guangzhou is 1,700 kilometres. China completed a feasibility study on the deep-sea port in 2012.
South China Sea
The ambassador said the South China Sea issue must be resolved through peaceful dialogue among the countries concerned.
“For China, we hold the stance to resolve the dispute through dialogue. So, I think the Bangladesh side takes the same stance,” he said.
Bangladesh adopts the policy of resolving the disputes through peaceful dialogue and China is in the same line with Bangladesh, he added.
One Belt, One Corridor
The ambassador said the connectivity issue under One Belt, One Corridor will be discussed in the summit meeting. “Bangladesh can play an important role here.”
China has suggested that Bangladesh sign a memorandum of understanding on the silk and maritime routes, he said.
Asian Infrastructure Bank
About the proposed infrastructure bank, he said: “China is negotiating with other countries and there have been some progress here. So far I know the institutions of China and Bangladesh are contacting each other,” Li Jun said.
EPZ location
The Chinese envoy said Bangladesh and China are negotiating to fix the location of China EPZ.
“More and more Chinese companies find Bangladesh as a very good destination. They want to make investment here. EPZ for China will help attract more Chinese investment,” he said.
Li Jun said at least five or six agreements will be signed during the visit of the prime minister.
