PM likely to visit China in July

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to visit China in July.

Chinese Ambassador Yao WEN also conveyed an invitation to Sheikh Hasina to visit China in the same month, and the premier received the invitation, PM’s Speech Writer Md Nazrul Islam told the media after the Chinese envoy met the PM at the Ganobhaban.

Talking about the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit in July, Yao WEN said that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China, especially trade, investment, and people-to-people contact, are expected to reach new heights after the visit.

The development partnership between Bangladesh and China will be strengthened further, he said, adding that he had also requested that the Prime Minister use the maiden flight of Bangladesh Biman’s Dhaka-Beijing route for her upcoming visit to inaugurate the route.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought Chinese cooperation for Bangladesh’s southern region’s development during the meeting, held at her official residence Ganabhaban, reports BSS.

“Direct road communication was already established with the country's southern region through the Padma Bridge. I want China to help Bangladesh for the country's southern region’s further development,” PM’s Speech Writer Md Nazrul Islam quoting her as saying during a media briefing after the meeting. 

According to Islam, Sheikh Hasina told the Chinese envoy that the southern region of the country had been neglected for so long that, except for the Awami League (AL), no government took effective steps for the development of this area.

Turning to cooperation, the Chinese ambassador requested the prime minister to offer specific proposal for the development of Bangladesh’s southern region.

Mentioning that China is the great development partner of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister hoped that the cooperation that is going on between the two countries would strengthen in the days to come.

She said that there will be a deep seaport in Paira, and China can take advantage of that.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that the southern part of Bangladesh is the most vulnerable area of the country.

In this connection, she said that there are some big rivers in this area, and the effect of climate change is much wider in this area. “We’re now giving priority to the development of this area,” she added.

Talking about the last election, she said that it was challenging in various aspects. “We’ve overcome that and held a peaceful election; we have formed a sustainable government, and a stable situation is prevailing in the country,” she said.

The premier said that the government wanted to advance the development spree of the country and hoped that, as a trusted friend and development partner, China would help Bangladesh.

The Chinese envoy said that China will support Bangladesh in completing the unfinished works of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“China will remain beside Bangladesh to implement Sheikh Hasina’s vision to make Smart Bangladesh by 2041,” he added.

He also said that China wants to help Bangladesh and invest in agriculture, green energy, ICT, and manufacturing sectors.

The Chinese envoy expressed his country’s interest in making a partnership for metro rail in Bangladesh.

He said that China is interested in importing more mango, jute and jute products, and leather and leather products.

The envoy showed more interest in providing training to youths, young leaders, women leaders, and government officials.

He said that the cooperation between the Awami League and the Communist Party of China will be strengthened.

Praising Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, the Chinese envoy said, “Sheikh Hasina is not only the leader of Bangladesh; she is also the world leader.”

Regarding the Rohingya issue, he said that China is working so that they could be repatriated.

PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah was also present.

During the meeting, Ambassador Yao said that with the common care and promotion of the leaders of the two countries, the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation has been continuously deepened, and practical cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, said a Chinese Embassy spokesman.

At present, both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of development and revitalization, facing a severe international situation.

China is willing to strengthen the exchange of experience in governance between the two countries and continue to deepen all-round cooperation with Bangladesh.

China is committed to encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh,strengthening people-to-people exchange, and supporting Bangladesh in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs so as to help Bangladesh achieve its “Vision 2041” and “Smart Bangladesh” at an early date.

Ambassador Yao also exchanged views with the Honourable Prime Minister on issues of common concern, including international issues and the repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals.

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