Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at his Secretariat office.
The meeting focused on a wide range of bilateral issues, including trade, investment, development cooperation and the overall Bangladesh-China partnership.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the long-standing friendship and strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Local Government Division Secretary Md Rezaul Maksud Jahedi was also present at the meeting.
Discussions covered collaboration in key sectors such as waste management, waste-to-energy initiatives, strengthening the institutional capacity of city corporations, and the operationalisation of the Amin Bazar Water Treatment Plant.
China’s continued support in the development of Bangladesh’s local government sector also featured prominently in the talks.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Fakhrul, who also serves as BNP Secretary General, said several Chinese-funded projects are currently being implemented in Bangladesh and efforts are underway to further expand cooperation.
He noted that detailed discussions were held on how China could enhance its assistance in various local government areas.
On the Teesta River issue, the minister said Bangladesh has long sought a resolution and that China has shown interest, on its own initiative, in cooperating on the Teesta project.
However, he added that further details could only be disclosed once the government takes a policy decision.
Describing the Bangladesh-China relationship as historic, Fakhrul said China remains one of the country’s key development partners and expressed optimism that ties between the two nations would continue to grow stronger in the coming years.
