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

[Saif]

China and Bangladesh armies to hold first military exercises next month: PLA

According to the consensus reached between the two militaries, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) will send a team to Bangladesh in the first half of next month to hold joint military exercises.

indianexpress.com

China and Bangladesh armies to hold first military exercises next month: PLA
According to the consensus reached between the two militaries, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) will send a team to Bangladesh in the first half of next month to hold joint military exercises.
By: PTI
Beijing | Updated: April 25, 2024 21:41 IST

Chinese army, military exercises, Bangladesh, ChinaCode named 'China-Bangladesh Golden Friendship 2024', the joint exercise takes the UN peacekeeping force counter-terrorism operations as the scenario (File Photo)

The Chinese army will hold its first military exercises with its Bangladesh counterpart next month, it was announced here on Thursday, as the PLA steadily enhanced its ties with India's neighbour by supplying a host of military equipment in recent years.

According to the consensus reached between the two militaries, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) will send a team to Bangladesh in the first half of next month to hold joint military exercises, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman, Sr Col Wu Qian announced at a media briefing here.

Code named 'China-Bangladesh Golden Friendship 2024′, the joint exercise takes the UN peacekeeping force counter-terrorism operations as the scenario, he said, adding, that the two militaries will conduct joint training in mixed groups on subjects, including bus anti-hijacking, terrorist camp elimination etc.

"It is the first time the Chinese and Bangladesh militaries will conduct joint training which will enhance mutual understanding and friendship and deepen practical exchanges and cooperation," Wu said.

China, which has invested over USD 25 billion in various projects in Bangladesh, next highest after Pakistan in the South Asian region, has also steadily enhanced defence ties with Dhaka supplying a host of military equipment including battle tanks, naval frigates, missile boats besides fighter jets, much to the chagrin of India.

China has also previously provided two submarines to the Bangladesh navy.

Last year Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened a USD 1.21 billion submarine base built by China at Cox's Bazar, which will provide safe jetty facilities to submarines and warships, according to a report carried by the Dhaka Tribune.

The base can accommodate six submarines and eight warships at a time. It will allow for safe and swift movement of the submarines in case of emergency, as the base is located off the Bay of Bengal coast, the report said.​

 

[Saif]

India to keep ‘close watch’ on first China-Bangladesh military exercise

The Chinese People's Liberation Army will dispatch a contingent to Bangladesh in early May to participate in the joint training, Xinhua reports

bdnews24.com

India to keep 'close watch' on first China-Bangladesh military exercise
The Chinese People's Liberation Army will dispatch a contingent to Bangladesh in early May to participate in the joint training, Xinhua reports

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 26 April 2024, 01:13 AM
Updated : 26 April 2024, 01:13 AM

As Bangladesh and China are set to hold their first joint military exercise, India says it will keep a 'close watch' on the training as it does in case of other developments in the region.

Citing the Chinese Ministry of National Defence, Xinhua news agency on Thursday said the Chinese People's Liberation Army will dispatch a contingent to Bangladesh in early May to participate in the joint training.

This joint training, based on United Nations peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations, will involve both sides utilising an integrated training approach, according to the report.

They will jointly organise exercises such as the rescue of hostages on buses and the clean-up of terrorist camps, Xinhua said.

This marks the first joint training ever between the Chinese and Bangladeshi armies, the Chinese defence ministry said, noting that such activity is conducive to "enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two militaries and deepening practical exchanges and cooperation".

Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Indian external affairs ministry, faced questions on the report in his regular press briefing on Thursday.

He said: "Regarding your questions about joint military exercise, as you heard me speak about it several times from this podium: We keep a close watch on all developments that happen in our neighbourhood and beyond, which impact our interests, economic and security interests and we take appropriate measures accordingly."​

 

[Saif]

China-Bangladesh to hold joint military exercise in May

China-Bangladesh to hold joint military exercise in May

www.app.com.pk

China-Bangladesh to hold joint military exercise in May

BEIJING, April 25 (APP): The first China-Bangladesh golden friendship 2024 joint military exercise will be held in the first half of May, Chinese Defence Ministry Spokesperson, Col. Wu Qian announced here on Thursday. According to the consensus between the two militaries, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) will send a team to Bangladesh in the first half of May to hold a joint military exercise codenamed China Bangladesh golden friendship 2024 joint army exercise, he made this announcement during his monthly briefing.

He said the joint exercise takes the UN peacekeeping force counter-terrorism operations as the scenario. The two militaries will conduct joint training in mixed groups on subjects including anti-hijacking and terrorist camp elimination, he added. Col Wu Qian informed that it is the first time the Chinese and Bangladesh militaries will conduct joint training to enhance mutual understanding and friendship and deepen practical exchanges and cooperation.​

 

[Saif]

I think we should send Mr. Jaiswal a pair of high power binoculars so he can "keep an eye on Bangladesh army" having a military exercise with the PLA.

These Indian a.holes need to learn respecting other nation's sovereignty and stop interfering in their domestic affairs. Bangladesh is a sovereign nation and has the right to choose friends of her own free will. China is our strategic partner and also the biggest weapons supplier. So, military exercise between the two nations is only normal which is not aimed at India.

 

[Saif]

New projects, Chinese RMB transaction top agenda

Funding several fresh projects, especially for southern belt's uplift, comprehensive development cooperation and financing in the Chinese currency may feature bilateral talks during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming China tour. The high-profile visit, likely in July, is being seen crucial

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

New projects, Chinese RMB transaction top agenda
FM may go on advance trip next month
MIR MOSTAFIZUR RAHAMAN
Published :
Apr 27, 2024 00:08
Updated :
Apr 27, 2024 00:08

Funding several fresh projects, especially for southern belt's uplift, comprehensive development cooperation and financing in the Chinese currency may feature bilateral talks during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming China tour.

The high-profile visit, likely in July, is being seen crucial amid economic volatility both at home and abroad and resultant search of alternatives on financial and economic front.

"The forthcoming Hasina-Xi meeting will serve as a crucial platform for announcing transformative initiatives and embarking on new significant projects," says a highly placed official of the finance ministry.

Before the top-level tour, Bangladesh Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali may go to Beijing next month to hold discussions with his Chinese counterpart exploring new opportunities for economic cooperation.

According to competent sources, Mr. Mahmood recently sent a letter requesting his Chinese counterpart to arrange a meeting of the joint economic commission (JEC) which a Bangladesh delegation under his leadership will attend to ensure utmost effectiveness of the head-of-government tour.

Expressing his gratitude to the Chinese government for inviting the PM to visit Beijing, the finance minister said, "Given our firm confidence in the commitment and trustworthiness of China as a key partner, we anticipate enhanced engagement of China with our new Government across various sectors, including economic, trade and business, social and cultural exchanges, as well as support for human-resource development for mutual benefit."

Bangladesh also "emphasises fervent interest in both consolidating and expanding our development cooperation with China, with the aim of elevating our relationship to an unprecedented strategic level".

The finance minister holds the hope that such a summit meeting will provide valuable opportunities to explore and identify novel areas and avenues for cooperation, culminating in the formal signing of historic agreements between the two "great leaders, thereby further strengthening the bilateral relationship between these two friendly countries".


Also proposed the initiation of comprehensive dialogue between the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Commerce of China, China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and China Exim Bank at an operational level prior to the JEC meet.

"Such dialogue will not only facilitate in-depth discussions to explore new areas for cooperation, suitable initiatives, and projects but will also foster greater understanding and collaboration on critical matters, including the extension of loan-repayment period, reduction in fund costs, thereby ensuring the effective implementation of our development initiatives," the tone-setting letter reads.

Additionally, the minister says, the dialogue will encompass the potential utilisation of the Renminbi (RMB) as a financing currency for the upcoming projects under Preferential Buyer's Credit (PBC) loans.

It is learnt that projects related to developing infrastructure in the southern part of Bangladesh will get priority.

Projects related to construction of several big bridges, upgrading highways and ports in the southern regions are going to hit the proposed list for China funding, officials involved with setting the stage said.

Drafts of MoUs are also under discussion for signing during the tour.

One proposed memorandum of understanding or MoU is related to the promotion of exchange and cooperation in the field of economic- development policy and the other propounds common aspiration of the two countries to promote green and low-carbon development.

The MoU on economic-development policy has focus on 'policy exchange and experience sharing in macro-economy, industrial development, planning and sustainable development and so in conjunction with their respective functions, "so as to serve practical cooperation between the parties'.

"Based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, the Parties will carry out green and low-carbon development cooperation according to different national circumstances, with the goal of promoting green and low-carbon economic and social development and promote sustainable development," the draft states.

The other MoU, on green development, says, "The Parties reaffirm that the Paris Agreement will be implemented to reflect equality and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities."

The parties here promise to take ambitious climate actions based on their respective national circumstances. The parties are willing to carry out policies dialogue and enhance cooperation.

In the to-be deals the two sides encourage enterprises, social organizations and research institutions of both countries to communicate and cooperate in areas of green industries, green and low-carbon technologies.​

 

[Bilal9]

India to keep ‘close watch’ on first China-Bangladesh military exercise

The Chinese People's Liberation Army will dispatch a contingent to Bangladesh in early May to participate in the joint training, Xinhua reports

bdnews24.com

India to keep 'close watch' on first China-Bangladesh military exercise
The Chinese People's Liberation Army will dispatch a contingent to Bangladesh in early May to participate in the joint training, Xinhua reports

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 26 April 2024, 01:13 AM
Updated : 26 April 2024, 01:13 AM


View attachment 5402

As Bangladesh and China are set to hold their first joint military exercise, India says it will keep a 'close watch' on the training as it does in case of other developments in the region.

Citing the Chinese Ministry of National Defence, Xinhua news agency on Thursday said the Chinese People's Liberation Army will dispatch a contingent to Bangladesh in early May to participate in the joint training.

This joint training, based on United Nations peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations, will involve both sides utilising an integrated training approach, according to the report.

They will jointly organise exercises such as the rescue of hostages on buses and the clean-up of terrorist camps, Xinhua said.

This marks the first joint training ever between the Chinese and Bangladeshi armies, the Chinese defence ministry said, noting that such activity is conducive to "enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two militaries and deepening practical exchanges and cooperation".

Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Indian external affairs ministry, faced questions on the report in his regular press briefing on Thursday.

He said: "Regarding your questions about joint military exercise, as you heard me speak about it several times from this podium: We keep a close watch on all developments that happen in our neighbourhood and beyond, which impact our interests, economic and security interests and we take appropriate measures accordingly."​

Funny enough - when Indian Army holds joint exercises with Bangladesh Army, PLA does not pass comments - that they would "closely watch" anything.

In my opinion - this is the difference between the two countries.

 

[Bilal9]

These Indian a.holes need to learn respecting other nation's sovereignty and stop interfering in their domestic affairs. Bangladesh is a sovereign nation and has the right to choose friends of her own free will. China is our strategic partner and also the biggest weapons supplier. So, military exercise between the two nations is only normal which is not aimed at India.

Well let's not devolve into name calling though I get your frustration.

Their govt. and MOFA are what they are - we know what they have continued to profess and practice and maybe will also do so in the future.

We need better leverage and stronger leaders. Waqt ayega.

I'd say that there is a large swath of the Indian population though, who do not agree with their govt's Dadagiri practices in the neighborhood.

The price paid for this will be dear for them.

 

[Deleted due to Error (Muji Iqbal)]

At least the Chinese are better than Americans. lol.

 

[Saif]

Chinese investors express interests to shift investment to Bangladesh

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

Chinese investors express interests to shift investment to Bangladesh
4 May 2024, 12:00 am

Staff Reporter :

Many Chinese investors are considering Bangladesh as an ideal destination for investment in the current global geopolitical and economic situation. They are, therefore, interested in shifting investments to Bangladesh including placing new investments.

The Chinese investors expressed this interest in a side table discussion at the end of a seminar titled "Investment Opportunities in the Export Processing Zones and BEPZA Economic Zone of Bangladesh" organised by Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China.

BEPZA in association with the Quanzhou Maritime Silk Road Industry and Commerce Association organised the seminar on 30 April 2024. About 100 participants attended the seminar of various Chinese investment organizations/industrial groups who have their interest in investing in Bangladesh.

BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Md Ziaur Rahman, BSP, ndc, psc attended the seminar as the chief guest. Presenting an overall picture of the current favourable investment climate prevailing in Bangladesh, especially Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) he said that Bangladesh has experienced tremendous growth over the last decade. The strategic geographical location, demographic dividend, large & expanding domestic market, stable socio-political environment, etc. are the key contributors to the rapid economic development, he added.

Major General Zia said that the main attraction of investment in Bangladesh is the most inexpensive, productive, abundant and easily trainable workforce. He said that Bangladesh has been consistently liberalizing its foreign investment policies over the time. The Government has formulated "One Stop Service Act" for the Investment Promotion Agencies of Bangladesh to provide faster and better services, he added.

Mentioning the expansion plan of BEPZA the executive chairman said, along with the eight operational EPZs, BEPZA is establishing an Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram which has already attracted 28 industries in its development stage, and a few of them started production. Moreover, establishment of three new EPZs are also under process which will be ready for the investors by the end of 2025. He urged Chinese investors to invest in these zones under BEPZA.

In the welcome speech, Lino, one of the senior members of the host association thanked BEPZA delegation and expressed his positive impression about Bangladesh.

Changsong Chen, the Vice Chairman of Quanzhou Maritime Silk Road Industry and Commerce Association, in his speech as the Special Guest, highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and China and invited Chinese investors to invest in Bangladesh.

In the evening, the BEPZA delegation attended a dinner hosted by the city mayor. Some investors interested in investing in Bangladesh also attended the dinner where bilateral investment issues were discussed. During the dinner, discussions were also held regarding organizing training programs between China's Fujian Province and Bangladesh for the workers-employees.​

 

[Saif]

Beyond Dollar: Bangladesh to seek over 36b yuan in Chinese loans

Bangladesh is going to seek more than 36 billion yuan, equivalent to $5 billion, as soft loans from China to reduce pressure on its dollar reserves.

www.thedailystar.net

Beyond Dollar: Bangladesh to seek over 36b yuan in Chinese loans

Bangladesh is going to seek more than 36 billion yuan, equivalent to $5 billion, as soft loans from China to reduce pressure on its dollar reserves.

According to highly placed sources in the government, the country will use the money to help businesses import raw materials and also for budget support.

Bangladesh exported goods worth $677 million to China and imported goods worth $22.90 billion in fiscal 2022-23, according to data from the commerce ministry. China is Bangladesh's single largest trading partner.

Sources in the finance and commerce ministries said the Prime Minister's Office has already given the go-ahead and officials are now discussing the interest rate and repayment periods. They are also discussing how and where the money would be spent.

They said that officials of the Finance Division, commerce ministry, Economic Relations Division, and the National Board of Revenue at a recent meeting gave opinions that the loan should be long-term and the interest rate should not be above 1 percent.

According to the sources, the main purpose of the loan is to reduce pressure on the depleting reserves, which stood at $19.95 billion as of April 30.

In September 2022, Bangladesh Bank allowed settlement of international trade in Chinese yuan to cut excessive dependence on the dollar

The government wants to support the businesspeople in importing raw materials as the Bangladesh Bank's decision to slash the volume of the Export Development Fund (EDF) has put them in a tight spot.

The central bank brought down the EDF volume to around $2 billion from about $7 billion in mid-2022 when reserves came under pressure following a surge in imports.

BB also raised the interest rate on EDF loans to 4.5 percent from 4 percent in April last year.

According to a BB circular on April 9, 2023, an exporter can take loans of $10 million but a member of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association can get as much as $20 million.

According to the rules for the EDF loan, the borrower has to repay within 180 days but in some cases 210 days is allowed.

The sources said Bangladesh, during the loan negotiations, will ask for flexible terms so that the money can be used for trade with other countries alongside China.

The interest rate and the repayment term would be finalised at that time, according to a top official at the commerce ministry.

State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu brought up the loan issue during bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of the 13th Ministerial Conference of World Trade Organisation in Abu Dhabi between February 26 and March 2.

After the conference, the state minister wrote to the Chinese minister thanking him and mentioned their discussion on the loan. In response, the Chinese minister said his government in principle agreed to it and asked Ahasanul to proceed.

The commerce ministry then asked the Finance Division and the Economic Relations Division to get the PMO's nod.​