Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
China has shown strong interest in Bangladesh's Teesta Masterplan, with a team of Chinese experts set to visit in the coming months for an on-site assessment.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed this message to Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam during a discussion in Dhaka on Monday.
This development follows Bangladesh's request for Chinese support, including a $550 million loan for the scheme.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that China responded positively to Bangladesh's loan request, reflecting Beijing's strong commitment to the project.
Ambassador Yao emphasized China's keen interest in the initiative, which the Bangladesh government welcomed.
He also noted that discussions with the Economic Relations Division (ERD) under the Ministry of Finance were already underway regarding the Teesta project.
The meeting covered updates on decisions made during Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus's recent visit to China, progress in hospital construction under Chinese financing.
In addition, China reiterated its earlier invitation for Bangladesh to join President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative (GGI), with the envoy highlighting President Xi's strong interest in Bangladesh's participation.
Since the July uprising, Chinese investment in Bangladesh has exceeded $800 million, the largest inflow in this period, Yao added.
Following the Chief Adviser's visit in March, the interim government accelerated efforts to advance the Teesta project.
In May, the Ministry of Water Resources confirmed its intention to seek a Chinese loan, and in July, the ERD sent a formal request to the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka for $550 million for the 'Comprehensive Management and Restoration of Teesta River Project.'
The first phase of the project is estimated at $750 million, with Bangladesh seeking $550 million from China and the remainder to be covered through domestic financing.
Work is scheduled to begin in 2026 and conclude by 2029. Both China and India had previously shown interest in implementing the Teesta Masterplan.
newsmanjasi@gmail.com