[🇧🇩] China is a Time Tested Friend and a Strategic Partner of Bangladesh

[Saif]

Bangladesh seeks a 50-year masterplan from China for water management

The chief adviser made the call when Li Guoying, water resources minister of China, met him at a state guest house in Beijing on Friday

en.prothomalo.com

Bangladesh seeks a 50-year masterplan from China for water management
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 28 Mar 2025, 21: 22

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus with Chinese water resources minister Li Guoying at a state guest house in China on 28 March, 2025. PID

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has sought a 50-year masterplan from China to manage the river and water system in Bangladesh, which is crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers.

The chief adviser made the call when Li Guoying, water resources minister of China, met him at a state guest house in Beijing on the third day of his four-day visit to the Asian country, according to a statement shared on the chief adviser’s Facebook handle.

During his discussion with the Chinese minister, Professor Yunus praised the Chinese water and flood management system, saying the country has done wonders in managing some of the intractable water issues. “We have the same problem that you have. So, we'll be happy if you share your experiences”.

“Bangladesh is a delta country; we have a country crisscrossed with hundreds of rivers. Water gives us life, but sometimes it becomes an enemy. Now that the population has increased manifold, we have to remain careful what kind of damages it causes to the ecosystem,” he added.

Calling China the master of water management, the chief adviser said Bangladesh has a lot to learn from the country and urged China to share the vision of president Xi Jinping in water management with the country.

“We have come here to learn from you: how we can make water resources useful to people,” he said.

The chief adviser said that the increase of population and demand for development are why people are grabbing lands by riversides.

The same demand has increased in upper riparian India, he said, adding that siltation was also causing a problem creating land in the middle of rivers, shrinking them sometimes, leading them to death.

The Chinese minister acknowledged that China and Bangladesh share a similar challenge in water management. He promised technical support and expertise to Bangladesh.

“To manage water is a key management issue for Bangladesh; China is facing similar challenges,” he said, acknowledging that 85 per cent of Bangladesh’s people live in flood-prone plains, which has made water management complicated for the country.

He said that President Xi has put forward a master plan for China which the country was using to overcome the challenges in water management.

“We need your help to design the plan for us,” the chief adviser said.

The chief adviser added that Bangladesh’s problem lies not just with one river but with the system.

He mentioned the Teesta river system and cleaning the polluted water in rivers surrounding Dhaka for particular help.

The chief adviser is now on a four-day visit in China, holding meetings with Chinese leaders and investors to boost mutual cooperation with the country.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, China to strengthen bilateral cooperation

Bangladesh and China have agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, integrated management of water resources, water resources development and related technology sharing.

en.prothomalo.com

Bangladesh, China to strengthen bilateral cooperation
The Bangladeshi side welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta river comprehensive management and restoration project

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus with Chinse president Xi Jinping in China on 28 March, 20205. PID

Bangladesh and China have agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, integrated management of water resources, water resources development and related technology sharing.

The announcement came at a joint statement of interim government’s chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Chinese president Xi Jinping on Friday.

At the invitation of the secretary general of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), the chief adviser attended the BFA annual conference 2025 in Hainan, China from 26 to 27 March, and then at the invitation of the Chinese government, Professor Muhammad Yunus visited Beijing from 27 to 29 March.

President Xi Jinping met with Professor Yunus in Beijing, while Ding Xuexiang, the vice premier of the state council of China, met with the chief adviser on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference 2025 in Hainan province.

Han Zheng, vice president of China, also met with Professor Yunus in Beijing. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached extensive consensus.

Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China principle and its position that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

In their discussions, the two sides agreed to hold fast to the five principles of peaceful coexistence, carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust and synergy between development strategies, keep moving forward in the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and deliver greater benefits to the two countries and their peoples.

The two sides reaffirmed their mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns.

China consistently adheres to the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries, respects Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, respects the development path independently chosen by the people of Bangladesh, and supports Bangladesh in exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions.

China noted that they have always followed a policy of good neighbourliness and friendship toward the people of Bangladesh, and support the interim government in effectively exercising governance, preserving unity and stability in Bangladesh, and leading Bangladesh onto a path of development and prosperity.

The two sides stressed that the authority of the UN general assembly resolution 2758 is beyond any question or challenge. Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China principle and its position that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

Bangladesh opposes "Taiwan independence". Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Bangladeshi side welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta river comprehensive management and restoration project.

Besides, the two sides agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen international cooperation on industrial and supply chains and work together to achieve modernisation in both countries.

Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the long-standing and robust support China has been providing for economic and social development in Bangladesh, and spoke highly of the economic and social impact produced by China-Bangladesh cooperation projects of bridges, roads, railways, networks, power grids and sewage treatment.

China will continue to support Bangladesh in improving infrastructure and advancing industrialisation, and encourage Chinese companies to conduct investment cooperation with Bangladesh in such fields as textile and garment, clean energy, digital economy, agriculture and manufacturing in accordance with commercial principles and market-based approaches.

Bangladesh welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla port facilities modernisation and expansion project, and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to further develop the Chinese economic and industrial zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram.

The two sides underscored the importance to initiate negotiations on the China-Bangladesh free trade agreement at an early date and officially start negotiations on optimising the China-Bangladesh investment agreement.

The two sides agreed to realise the early export of high-quality products of Bangladesh to China including fresh mangoes and other agricultural and aquatic produce as soon as possible.

A bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and China in China. PID

China welcomes Bangladesh to make full use of platforms such as the China international import expo, China-South Asia expo, and China international supply chain expo to expand cooperation with China. Bangladesh reaffirmed its readiness to create a favourable investment environment for Chinese companies.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, integrated management of water resources, water resources development and related technology sharing.

The two sides spoke positively of the signing of the implementation plan of the MoU on exchange of hydrological information of the Yarlung Zanbo-Jamuna River.

The Bangladeshi side welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta river comprehensive management and restoration project (TRCMRP).

The two sides agreed to make concerted efforts to tackle climate change and tap the potential for blue economy cooperation. The two sides also agreed to strengthen exchanges on maritime affairs and hold a new round of Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation at an appropriate time.

The two sides agreed to jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Bangladesh people-to-people exchanges in 2025.

It was also agreed to deepen exchanges and cooperation on culture, tourism, media, education, health care and youth, and between local governments and think tanks, to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the convenience provided by China for Bangladeshi patients to seek medical treatment in Yunnan Province.

Bangladesh commends the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and appreciates the global development initiative.

Bangladesh also takes note of the importance of the global security initiative and the global civilisation initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.

Both sides agreed to strengthen international cooperation, promote unity and self-reliance among the Global South and jointly address global challenges.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the second world war and the founding of the United Nations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the practice of true multilateralism and greater democracy in international relations.

The two sides will jointly advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

Both sides agreed to keep strengthening coordination within the UN and other multilateral mechanisms and jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and uphold international fairness and justice.

Bangladesh appreciates China's constructive role in promoting peace talks on Myanmar and in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced people from the Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh.

China commends Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance for the displaced people from Rakhine State, and supports Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding among others a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations.

China will continue to provide support for the repatriation to the best of its capabilities.

During the discussion, the two sides signed the agreement on economic and technical cooperation between the two governments and other cooperation documents on development, translation and publication of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange and media, and health sector.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Bangladeshi delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

In China, the chief adviser attended the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference 2025 and delivered a speech.

The Chinese side welcomed the interim government of Bangladesh and noted the reform and progress made by the interim government since August 2024.

The Bangladesh side thanked the Chinese government for welcoming the interim government of Bangladesh and extending necessary support to carry forward bilateral relations.

Both sides reconfirmed equal commitment to nurturing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with utmost importance.​

 

[Saif]

Set up factories in Bangladesh, sell globally: Dr Yunus to Chinese businesses

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday invited the Chinese business leaders to be part of new Bangladesh and its transformation engaging extensively in terms of doing business for mutual benefit. “Bangladesh is the hub (for doing business)... we could be the production hub of this entir

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Set up factories in Bangladesh, sell globally: Dr Yunus to Chinese businesses
UNB
Published :
Mar 28, 2025 19:31
Updated :
Mar 28, 2025 19:31

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday invited the Chinese business leaders to be part of new Bangladesh and its transformation engaging extensively in terms of doing business for mutual benefit.

“Bangladesh is the hub (for doing business)... we could be the production hub of this entire region. Set up your factories in Bangladesh, sell to the whole region and sell to the whole world,” he said, describing Bangladesh’s advantage and position with huge access to the world market.

The Chief Adviser said the amazing location of Bangladesh makes it a very exciting country for the investors.

Dr Yunus participated in an event called “Investment Dialogue” with Chinese business leaders to inform the Chinese investors about the business-friendly environment in Bangladesh and attract Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh has an advantage of a huge young population full of energy, creativity and aspirations. “That’s the exciting part of Bangladesh.”

He said there is no shortage of young people, both men and women, and they are very oriented to the new world, new way of thinking and new way of doing things.

“They are very quick to adopt, very quick to learn if you are making assembly plants, or if you are making any technologically oriented businesses. I think it would be good to consider Bangladesh,” Dr Yunus said.

He said Bangladesh oversees the whole Bay of Bengal as its practical point with huge access to the world through Bay of Bengal.

“So, Bangladesh is your path, not only for Bangladesh itself, but the three other major regions. You can have this advantage of having businesses in this whole region through Bangladesh. That’s the most exciting part of it,” Dr Yunus said.

Meanwhile, Yao Wang, Vice-Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), a semi-governmental organization that promotes China’s trade and economic relations with other countries, met Chief Adviser Dr Yunus and discussed issues of mutual interest, CA’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told UNB.

Dr Yunus also joined the meeting with Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China at a state guest house in Beijing.

The Chief Adviser participated in a roundtable discussion on Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment and Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities.

He will also join a session on Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros at the same venue.

He exchanged views with CEOs of various companies, experienced individuals from the Social Business Circle, high-ranking officials of renowned Chinese companies, business representatives and the young generation of Bangladeshis and Chinese.

On Saturday morning, the Chief Adviser will visit Peking University and receive the Honorary Doctorate.

After receiving the Honorary Doctorate Degree, the Chief Adviser will deliver a speech to the audience.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka welcomes Beijing's role in implementing Teesta project

Bangladesh welcomes Chinese companies to join in implementing the stalled Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) as the two countries strike numerous cooperation accords capping summit talks. A joint statement issued after the bilateral meeting between the two

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Takeaways from Xi-Yunus summit meet
Dhaka welcomes Beijing's role in implementing Teesta project
Dhaka, Beijing sign 9 instruments of cooperation
FE REPORT
Published :
Mar 29, 2025 00:16
Updated :
Mar 29, 2025 00:16

Bangladesh welcomes Chinese companies to join in implementing the stalled Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) as the two countries strike numerous cooperation accords capping summit talks.

A joint statement issued after the bilateral meeting between the two countries in Beijing on Friday rolled out the outcomes of the talks, including nine instruments of cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh Dr Muhammad Yunus led their respective sides at the meeting.

"Both sides reconfirmed equal commitment to nurturing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership with utmost importance," the communiqué reads.

The two sides agree that since the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Bangladesh 50 years ago, relations between the two countries have maintained healthy and stable development regardless of changes in the international and regional landscapes.

The two sides agree to hold fast to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust and synergy between development strategies, keep moving forward in the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and deliver greater benefits to the two countries and their peoples.

Mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns reaffirmed.

The host side asserts that China consistently adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, respects Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, respects the development path independently chosen by the people of Bangladesh, and supports Bangladesh in exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions.

The two sides reaffirm mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns.

Beijing mentions that China has always followed a policy of good neighbourliness and friendship toward the people of Bangladesh, and supports the Interim Government of Bangladesh in effectively exercising governance, preserving unity and stability in Bangladesh, and leading Bangladesh onto a path of development and prosperity.

The two sides stress that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond any question or challenge.

Bangladesh reiterates its firm commitment to the One-China principle and its position that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

Bangladesh opposes "Taiwan independence."

Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two sides agree to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen international cooperation on industrial and supply chains and work together to achieve modernization in both countries.

Bangladesh expresses appreciation for the longstanding and robust support China has been providing for economic and social development in Bangladesh, and speaks highly of the economic and social impact produced by China-Bangladesh cooperation projects of bridges, roads, railways, networks, power grids and sewage treatment.

China will continue to support Bangladesh in improving infrastructure and advancing industrialisation, and encourage Chinese companies to conduct investment cooperation with Bangladesh in such fields as textiles and garments, clean energy, digital economy, agriculture and manufacturing in accordance with commercial principles and market-based approaches.

Bangladesh welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla Port Facilities Modernisation and Expansion Project, and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to further develop the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram.

The two sides underscore the importance of initiating negotiations on China-Bangladesh Free-Trade Agreement at an early date and officially start negotiations on optimizing the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement.

The two sides agree to realize the early export of high-quality products of Bangladesh to China, including fresh mangoes and other agricultural and aquatic produce, as soon as possible.

China welcomes Bangladesh to make full use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo, China-South Asia Expo, and China International Supply Chain Expo to expand cooperation with China.

Bangladesh reaffirms its readiness to create a favourable investment environment for Chinese companies.

The two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in such areas as hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, integrated management of water resources, water resources development and related technology sharing.

The two sides speak positively of the signing of the Implementation Plan of the MoU on Exchange of Hydrological Information of the Yarlung Zanbo-Jamuna River.

The Bangladeshi side welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).

The two sides agree to make concerted efforts to tackle climate change and tap the potential for blue-economy cooperation. Also they agree to strengthen exchanges on maritime affairs and hold a new round of Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation at an appropriate time.

The two sides agree to jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchanges in 2025.

They agree to deepen exchanges and cooperation on culture, tourism, media, education, healthcare and youth, and between local governments and think-tanks, to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Bangladesh expresses appreciation for the convenience provided by China for Bangladeshi patients to seek medical treatment in Yunnan Province.

Also commended is the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the Global Development Initiative.

Bangladesh also takes note of the importance of the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.

The two sides agree to strengthen international cooperation, promote unity and self-reliance among the Global South and jointly address global challenges.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations. Both sides reaffirm their commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, the practice of true multilateralism and greater democracy in international relations. The two sides will jointly advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

Both sides agree to keep strengthening coordination within the U.N. and other multilateral mechanisms and jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and uphold international fairness and justice.

Bangladesh appreciates China's constructive role in promoting peace talks on Myanmar and in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced Rohingya people from the Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh.

China commends Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance for the displaced people, and supports Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding, among others, a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations. China will continue to provide support for the repatriation "to the best of its capabilities".

During the visit, the two sides signed the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the two Governments and other cooperation documents on development, translation and publication of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange and media, sports and health sector.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Bangladeshi delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, the readout says.

President Xi was very positive about the issues raised by the Bangladesh side, said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the CA.

Capping the talks, Bangladesh and China Friday signed one agreement on economic and technical cooperation and eight MoUs on translation and production of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange, media, sports and health sectors.

Additionally, five announcements were made on the launch of formal negotiations on investment, the announcement of the commencement of the China Industrial Economic Zone, the signing of a commercial agreement for the modernisation and expansion of Mongla port, the building of a robotic physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre, and the donation of a cardiac surgery vehicle.

Another report adds: China and Bangladesh have decided to elevate their relations to a new height after a historic bilateral meeting between President Xi Jinping and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, discussed issues of mutual interest, with President Xi reiterating China's full support for the Chief Adviser and the reform agenda of the Interim Government, officials said.

Bestowing a rare honour on the Bangladesh leader, President Xi came out from his office to greet the Nobel laureate as he arrived at the Great Hall, accompanied by two advisers.

Later, the two leaders led their respective sides in a bilateral meeting, marked by warmth and candour. It was the first bilateral visit by the Chief Adviser to a foreign country.

Describing Bangladesh as an important neighbour of China, President Xi offered to share Beijing's development experiences and boost cooperation with Bangladesh to help it grow fast.

The Chinese President said China would continue to grant zero-tariff facilities to Bangladeshi goods and extend the status until the end of 2028 - two years after Bangladesh's scheduled graduation from a least-developed- country status.​

 

[Saif]

A Chinese professor of Peking University is speaking in Bengali

 

[Saif]

CA returns home wrapping up historic China trip

Earlier, the flight departed Beijing Capital International Airport at 16:57pm Beijing time

www.thedailystar.net

CA returns home wrapping up historic China trip

Photo: BSS

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus returned home tonight, wrapping up his four-day official tour to China.

A commercial flight of Air China carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at about 8:10pm (Bangladesh standard time).

Earlier, the flight departed Beijing Capital International Airport at 16:57pm Beijing time.

Hong Lei, Chinese assistant minister for foreign affairs and also the chief protocol officer of the Chinese President Xi Jinping, saw off Chief Adviser Prof Yunus at Beijing Capital International Airport at the conclusion of his historic four-day official visit to China.

On March 27, Prof Yunus spoke at Boao Forum for Asia annual conference and joined several sidelines events in Hainan.

On March 28, the Chief Adviser held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

He also joined three roundtable discussions on different themes -- Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment, Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities and Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros -- and other sidelines events.

Earlier in the day, Prof Yunus received an honorary doctorate degree from Peking University (PKU). He also delivered a lecture on the occasion.

He reached China on March 26.​

 

[Saif]

Yunus’ China trip may boost trade prospects

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ visit to China laid a strong foundation to draw more investments, transfer technologies and improve cooperation, foreign policy analysts say.

www.thedailystar.net

Yunus’ China trip may boost trade prospects

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday -- the third day of his four-day visit to China. Photo: PID

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus' visit to China laid a strong foundation to draw more investments, transfer technologies and improve cooperation, foreign policy analysts say.

During his four-day visit that ended yesterday, Prof Yunus delivered a speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in Hainan, met Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng, Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, Water Resources Minister Li Guoying and other dignitaries.

The two countries signed one agreement on economic and technical cooperation and eight MoUs. The two sides made five announcements of cooperation on investment infrastructure, and technology.

The visit dwelt on fostering commitments and exploring opportunities for trade and economic collaboration rather than immediate outcomes, foreign policy analysts observe.

Beijing expressed its willingness to start negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and Investment Agreement with Dhaka, and promised to encourage more Chinese private investment and relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh.

China promised to lend some $400 million for Mongla port modernisation, $350 million for the development of the China Industrial Economic Zone, and $150 million as technical assistance.

Besides, around 30 Chinese companies promised to invest around $1 billion in Bangladesh.

Foreign policy analysts point out that the two countries have yet to sign any agreement on Mongla port and acquisition of land for the Chinese Industrial Economic Zone remains incomplete.

"The pledges are fine, but it will take time," says Prof Sk Tawfique M Haque, director at the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance of North South University.

The engagement with the Chinese businesses, President Xi's promise to encourage businesses to invest in Bangladesh are something that will bring Chinese investments to Bangladesh, he says.

"From that perspective, I would say there is success."

Prof Imtiaz Ahmed, executive director of the Centre for Alternatives, says the Chinese side mentioned the business climate in Bangladesh.

"I think Chinese firms will not invest here until there is a stable government led by a political party. I appreciate the engagement with the Chinese private sector though. It should continue," he says.

M Humayun Kabir, chairman of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, says one must appreciate the fact that Beijing agreed in principle to start negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and Investment Agreement with Dhaka.

"Once we have an agreement like that, we will see substantial Chinese investments and production units here. That will be great for our economy," he says.

In his high-level meetings, Prof Yunus sought budget support, lower interest rates on Chinese loans, and waiver of commitment fees on loans.

The Chinese side spoke positively, but there was nothing concrete, says Prof Imtiaz.

"I don't think China will lower interest rates. But it may make concessions on the repayment period," says Prof Tawfique.

Experts believe China and India can play major roles in solving the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. China was also engaged in a tripartite arrangement, which is not functioning now because of the conflict in Myanmar.

In the joint statement, the Chinese side expressed support for Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations.

M Humayun Kabir says Bangladesh has been working in various ways to raise funds for Rohingyas, but the Chinese statement does not put much importance on the issue.

"There was no reference to the international conference that the UN is going to organise in New York in September," he says.

China announced that it would establish a hospital in Bangladesh and four hospitals in Kunming would treat Bangladeshis. Humayun sees this as the opening of a new frontier in China-Bangladesh relations.

All the three analysts appreciate the importance that Prof Yunus laid on the river management of Bangladesh.

China has experience and technologies in dredging and cleaning the rivers. This discussion should continue, they say.

Prof Imtiaz says Bangladesh welcomed the participation of Chinese companies in the Teesta River Water Management Project, but the issue is complex.

"There are still debates among hydrologists about the project's efficiency, especially the implications of dredging on the environment. Also, there is a lack of water upstream," he says.

Prof Imtiaz says Bangladesh, India and China need cooperation when it comes to the transboundary rivers.

Humayun Kabir says Bangladesh's mention that it opposes the "Taiwan independence" may raise questions.

"We could have been more careful in phrasing," he says.

Overall, Prof Yunus' visit has a significant symbolic and political value, he adds.

The visit takes place when Bangladesh's relations with India are strained.

Asked if Prof Yunus' visit will affect Bangladesh's relations with India, Prof Imtiaz says Bangladesh's relations with the two countries are separate and should be viewed from that perspective.

"Having relations with one does not mean severing relations with the other," he adds.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh welcomes Chinese participation in Teesta project

Joint statement also mentions cooperation in maritime affairs, infrastructure, trade, One-China policy

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh welcomes Chinese participation in Teesta project
Joint statement also mentions cooperation in maritime affairs, infrastructure, trade, One-China policy

FILE VISUAl: Anwar Sohel

Bangladeshi has welcomed the participation of Chinese companies in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, according to a joint statement released early today after the bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, integrated management of water resources, water resources development and related technology sharing.

The two sides also spoke positively of the signing of the Implementation Plan of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on "Exchange of Hydrological Information of the Yarlung Zanbo-Jamuna River."

Both countries agreed to make concerted efforts to tackle climate change and tap the potential for cooperation in the blue economy.

They agreed to strengthen exchanges on maritime affairs and hold a new round of dialogue on maritime cooperation at an appropriate time.

They had in-depth discussion on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached extensive consensus.

Both sides reconfirmed equal commitment to nurturing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership with utmost importance.

The two sides also agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen international cooperation on industrial and supply chains and work together to achieve modernisation in both countries.

Bangladesh would also welcome Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla Port Facilities Modernisation and Expansion Project, and would stand ready to work with the Chinese side to further develop the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram.

The two sides underscored the importance to initiate negotiations on the China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement at an early date and officially start negotiations on optimising the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement.

The two sides agreed to realise the early export of high-quality products of Bangladesh to China including fresh mangoes and other agricultural and aquatic produce as soon as possible.

The statement said China consistently adheres to the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries and respects Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China principle and its position that China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.​