President Abdul Hamid yesterday sought further concession for the access of Bangladesh products to China and greater Chinese investment in Bangladesh, aiming to address the trade imbalance between the two countries.
The president said this in a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping held at the Great Hall of the People.
“We’re happy to see some of the remedial and preferential measures being taken by the Chinese government to address the existing trade imbalance. We look forward to further concession for the access of Bangladesh products, including more jute and jute products to the Chinese market as discussed during our Prime Minister’s meeting with you (Xi Jinping) in June this year,” he said.
President’s Press Secretary Ehsanul Karim told UNB after the meeting.
During their 30-minute meeting, he said, both the presidents emphasised further strengthening the economic and other cooperation between the two countries for their mutual benefits.
Mentioning China a natural and tested friend of Bangladesh, Hamid said the excellent friendly and good neighbourly relations between Bangladesh and China have grown from strength to strength over the years.
“Our friendly relations, based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual trust, respect for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, have steadily deepened and become multifaceted,” Hamid added.
Describing China as a leading country in the field of oceanography and construction and managing parts, the president said, “We look forward to enhanced collaboration of China with Bangladesh in the sectors.”
Hamid said Bangladesh would also appreciate Chinese cooperation in the fields of training on UN peacekeeping and peace-building operation, enhancing defence production capability of Bangladesh Armed Forces, Chinese support in strengthening Bangladesh’s capacity to address the challenges related to climate change and disaster risk reduction.
He also invited his Chinese counterpart to visit Bangladesh anytime next year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China in a befitting manner.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Bangladesh is a long-time friend of China and China is a reliable friend of Bangladesh based on trust and cooperation.
The Chinese president lauded Bangladesh for its economic and social development and assured of continuing its grant and assistance for the development of Bangladesh.
Xi Jinping expressed happiness as Bangladesh joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
He also appreciated Bangladesh role in various international and regional fora and said his country will invite 100 young people from Bangladesh to visit China.
Senior secretary to the Bangladesh President Shaikh Altaf Ali and secretary (bilateral) of Foreign Ministry Mustafa Kamal were, among others, present at the meeting.
Later, President Hamid had a luncheon meeting hosted by Chinese vice-president Li Yuanchao held at Wanliutang at Diaoyutai Guest House.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Hamid said Bangladesh and China are enjoying excellent bilateral relations, while Yuanchao appreciated Bangladesh for its one china policy.
