Continuous visits to China will strengthen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for future co-operation between Bangladesh and China, said the Prime Minister’s Public Administration Adviser and BNP National Standing Committee member Md Ismail Zabihullah.
Speaking on Thursday at a pre-departure reception organised by the Chinese Embassy for a delegation from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), he stressed the importance of increasing mutual communication, trust, and co-operation to render existing friendly and strategic relations deeper and more people-oriented.
This marks the second delegation from the PMO to visit China. Advising the delegation, Zabihullah urged them not to restrict the visit to official meetings, but to understand China’s development experience through exchanges with government officials, entrepreneurs, academics, and the general public.
“You represent 180 million people,” he said, emphasising that China should not be viewed solely through formal meetings, and that it is crucial to become acquainted with its culture, institutions, and people to grasp how China achieved such a massive economic and social transformation.
Outlining key areas where Bangladesh can learn from China, the adviser highlighted long-term planning, infrastructure development, industrialisation, technology usage, innovation, and the successful implementation of plans.
He noted that China currently accounts for nearly one-third of global production, making its development experience a vital lesson for Bangladesh.
Tracing the history of bilateral relations, Zabihullah recalled that friendly relations between Bangladesh and China were initiated during the tenure of former president Ziaur Rahman.
Over time, these ties have expanded and deepened, and are currently elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
He added that Bangladesh is presently at a crucial stage of economic and administrative transformation. To diversify the economy, boost productivity, build technology-driven industries, and generate employment opportunities for youth, Bangladesh can benefit significantly from China’s experience.
To facilitate people-to-people contacts, he underscored the need to introduce an e-visa system for Bangladeshi citizens, provide arbitration assistance for entrepreneurs of both countries, and expand co-operation in trade, investment, technology, and human resource development.
He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is eager to take existing relations with China further, bringing greater benefits to the people of both nations in the future.
The reception organised by the Chinese Embassy was attended by the Chinese Ambassador, senior embassy officials, members of the PMO delegation, and relevant officials.
