China has expressed interest in expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and infrastructure development to make Bangladesh’s development trajectory more dynamic.
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said this while speaking as chief guest at a discussion titled “Long Live Bangladesh-China Friendship”.
He noted that Bangladesh-China relations are historic and have become deeper and more multidimensional over time.
During the tenure of former president Ziaur Rahman, ties between the two countries gained a strong foundation, while former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s visit to China played a significant role in advancing the relationship further.
Beijing has assured Dhaka of its support in finding a peaceful solution to the Rohingya crisis. Against this backdrop, the minister emphasised the importance of further strengthening Bangladesh’s ties with China in the interest of the nation.
Relations between the two countries are no longer confined to the state level; they now extend to education, business, technology, and people-to-people contacts. Many Bangladeshi students are pursuing higher education in China, entrepreneurs are expanding business ventures, and modern technology is being brought into the country to create new employment opportunities.
Fakhrul said China’s unprecedented progress in science, technology, and economics presents major opportunities for Bangladesh. “If Bangladesh can effectively utilize China’s experience, technology, and investment, our development will become even more dynamic,” he added.
The minister also highlighted the long-standing ties between the BNP and the Communist Party of China, noting that even while in opposition, BNP maintained political communication with Beijing. He stressed that Bangladesh must strengthen relations with China while also maintaining balanced, mutually beneficial ties with India, Europe, the United States, and other countries.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, addressing the conference, said China could be a key partner in accelerating Bangladesh’s economic progress. He emphasised expanding trade and exports, advancing China-Myanmar-Bangladesh road connectivity, and ensuring China’s active role in peacefully resolving the Rohingya crisis.
At the same event, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said China is keen to expand business, trade, and investment with Bangladesh. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to continuing bilateral cooperation and reiterated Beijing’s willingness to assist in resolving the Rohingya crisis.
The event was organised by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association at the Padma Hall of Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka on Saturday.
The event, presided over by Bangladesh-China Friendship Association President Advocate Nazmul Haque Nannu, also featured Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister MA Rashiduzzaman Millat as a special guest.
