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

[Saif]

3 top Chinese hospitals designated to receive Bangladeshi patients: Ambassador Yao

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday said three top-tier hospitals in China’s Yunnan Province have been designated to specifically receive Bangladeshi patients. “If all the efforts continue smoothly, the first group of Bangladeshi patients could receive treatment in Chin

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

3 top Chinese hospitals designated to receive Bangladeshi patients: Ambassador Yao
UNB
Published :
Feb 18, 2025 21:10
Updated :
Feb 18, 2025 21:10

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday said three top-tier hospitals in China’s Yunnan Province have been designated to specifically receive Bangladeshi patients.

“If all the efforts continue smoothly, the first group of Bangladeshi patients could receive treatment in China as early as in March this year,” Ambassador Yao said during a media briefing at the Chinese Embassy in the capital.

He said relevant departments from both countries are working to improve medical service mechanisms, including streamlining visa procedures, clarifying treatment processes and establishing translation teams.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, during his recent visit to China, proposed strengthening bilateral cooperation in public health, kindly requesting China to facilitate medical treatment for Bangladeshi patients in China and render due consideration to the aided hospital projects.

“China attaches vital importance to these proposals,” said Ambassador Yao assuring of providing top quality services.

China is the largest investor in Bangladesh since the establishment of the interim government and since last August, at least 13 Chinese companies have signed investment agreements with Bangladesh partners, with a total intended investment of around USD 230 million, which fully demonstrates China’s confidence in and support for Bangladesh’s future development, the envoy said.

Currently, over 30 companies have signed letters of intent to invest in the China Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram, with a total investment exceeding USD 1 billion.

China hopes that the interim government will approve the industrial park project as soon as possible, he said, adding that China will also encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest and thrive in Bangladesh.

Responding to a question, the Ambassador said his country is ready to help Bangladesh implement the Teesta River water management project but as a sovereign country, it is up to Bangladesh to decide about the implementation of the project.

Bangladesh sought Chinese assistance for the Teesta Project in 2021 by sending a proposal. After evaluating the project, in 2023, China sent a report to the Bangladesh government.

The Chinese envoy said they have yet to receive any response from the Bangladesh government since then.

Ambassador Yao said people-to-people exchanges have reached new stages and both sides agreed to establish more Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms.

China will provide more opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in China, he said.

“In addition, we have officially proposed setting up a Chinese cultural center in Bangladesh, and we welcome Bangladesh to establish its cultural center in China also. These efforts will for sure create broader platforms for bilateral cultural engagement,” Ambassador Yao said.

He said the partnership between the two countries has gained new dimensions and the two sides reached important consensus on international and regional issues including cooperation on multilateral occasions, regional connectivity, and the Rohingya issue.

The envoy said both countries agreed to coordinate positions and enhance collaboration in the UN and other multilateral forums.

“This demonstrates that China-Bangladesh cooperation now extends beyond bilateral scope. The two sides are committed to jointly upholding world peace and stability, protecting developing countries’ shared interests, and safeguarding international fairness and justice,” he said.

He said China is accelerating the process of importing fresh Bangladeshi mangoes and the trade is expected to kick off this May.

“China also plans to import Bangladeshi guavas, jackfruits, and aquatic products. We have sent the inspection and quarantine requirements to the relevant Bangladeshi authorities for their response,” the envoy said.

He said the interim government recently approved the modernization and expansion project of Mongla Port.

China looks forward to Bangladesh expediting remaining domestic procedures to facilitate the early signing of the commercial contract, Ambassador Yao said.

The Ambassador said the mutually-beneficial trade achieved new breakthroughs and the zero-tariff treatment for 100% of Bangladeshi taxable products exported to China has come into effect since December 1 last year.

China pledged to consider providing Bangladesh with a transitional preferential treatment period, supporting its smooth graduation from the least developed country status.

“We are ready to enhance communication and consultation, strengthen development cooperation under the Belt and Road framework, advance major landmark projects as well as “small and beautiful” livelihood initiatives, so as to further consolidate traditional cooperation, explore emerging fields, and elevate mutually beneficial cooperation to new levels,” he said.​

 

[Saif]

The Chinese ambassador has said that his country is ready to implement the Tista mega project. He also informed Bangladesh that 3 top Chinese hospitals have been readied for Bangladeshi patients. At the same time, China has also offered reduction in plane fares for Bangladeshi patients who are seeking treatments from Chinese hospitals. The Chinese ambassador is keen on selling top class Chinese military hardware for Bangladesh armed forces.

 

[Saif]

China eyes continued arms sale to Bangladesh

China said they are ready to implement the Teesta project. Now, it is up to Bangladesh to make a decision independently on its implementation process

en.prothomalo.com

China eyes continued arms sale to Bangladesh
Diplomatic Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 19 Feb 2025, 20: 33

Yao Wen, the Chinese ambassador, speaks at a press briefing in Dhaka on 18 February, 2025.Collected

China has long been selling defence equipment to the armed forces in Bangladesh and wants to continue it in future, says Yao Wen, the Chinese ambassador to Dhaka.

While speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, he noted that Chinese arms are of high quality and affordable. They sell the arms considering the internal situation of Bangladesh, in addition to maintaining their own due process.

The briefing was called to disclose developments on bilateral relations, following the foreign affairs adviser’s official trip to China last month.

China has been a key supplier of defence equipment for Bangladesh since independence. In recent years, Dhaka was exploring other sources as different European nations and Turkey showed interest in supplying arms to Bangladesh.

The policy of China is upholding friendship with Bangladesh as well as all Bangladeshi people with mutual respect, equality and shared interests, regardless of internal situation in Bangladesh----Yao Wen, the ambassador of China to Bangladesh.

When asked if China faces competition for arms sales, the ambassador said his country has long been supplying arms to Bangladesh. In the process, they consider the situation in Bangladesh, in addition to maintaining their domestic procedures. Besides, the Chinese arms are of high quality and affordable.

“Hence, China is not facing any competition in selling arms to Bangladesh,” he added.

China ready to implement Teesta project

In response to a query on the Teesta project, Yao Wen said China is ready to implement the project. It is up to Bangladesh to make a decision independently on the project’s implementation process. “The Teesta project should be implemented at the earliest for the benefit of thousands of people residing on its banks.”

He, however, suggested gradual implementation of the project, instead of as a large-scale project as proposed by the authorities in Bangladesh.

Regarding updates on the project, Yao Wen said Bangladesh sent a proposal on the Teesta project and sought assistance from China in 2021. After its evaluation, China suggested in 2023 that the project be revised, but there has been no further response from the Bangladesh side.

China is ready to implement the project. It is up to Bangladesh to make a decision independently on the project’s implementation process.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to cooperate on issues of sovereignty and national unity in Bangladesh in the coming days, highlighting five decades of bilateral cooperation on issues of shared interest.

“The policy of China is upholding friendship with Bangladesh as well as all Bangladeshi people with mutual respect, equality and shared interests, regardless of internal situation in Bangladesh. China will cooperate to safeguard sovereignty and national unity of Bangladesh,” he added.

Foreign adviser Touhid Hossain chose China for his maiden foreign trip after assuming the office. The Chinese ambassador described it as a message for bilateral cooperation on the political front.

Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have been strained since the student-people uprising on 5 August. When asked about its impact on regional stability, Yao Wen said the query should be made to the Indian envoy, instead of him. He, however, hoped that the issues would be settled through bilateral negotiations.

Asked if China, as a neighbouring nation, would mediate to ease tensions between Bangladesh and India, the ambassador replied, “I think Bangladeshis are wise enough to solve their own problems.”

Regarding their dispute over a map in government websites and textbooks of Bangladesh, the Chinese envoy said the flawed map came to their attention and they have already raised the issue with Bangladesh. “We want cooperation from the Bangladesh government in this regard.”​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, China to work closer than ever

Bangladesh Ambassador to China Nazmul Islam and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sun Weidong reiterated their countries’ commitment in a meeting held at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing today

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh, China to work closer than ever

Bangladesh and China will work closer than ever to forge the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Bangladesh Ambassador to China Nazmul Islam and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sun Weidong reiterated their countries' commitment in a meeting held at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing today, according to a Bangladesh foreign ministry press release.

During Nazmul's maiden call on Sun Weidong, both also focussed on strengthening existing cooperation and encompassing newer areas of cooperation.

Both sides reiterated their position of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence.

They agreed that high-level visits and exchanges infused renewed impetus into the bilateral mechanisms.

The Bangladesh envoy invited Chinese investors and business people to explore the opportunities offered by Bangladesh uniquely in return on investments.

He encouraged them to take part in the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit scheduled for April 7 to 10 in Dhaka.

Vice Minister Sun assured of all cooperation for economic prosperity of Bangladesh and noted that in the year of people-to-people exchanges, more visits and projects should be undertaken in tourism, education, academia and think tanks and local government sectors.

Both reaffirmed their willingness to work together in the multilateral fora, particularly in the UN system so that the benefit of multilateralism can be accrued by all, especially the developing countries.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, both the countries will undertake joint programmes such as, release of logo, recognition of personalities who contributed to strengthening the ties between the two countries in the last 50 years, and opening up medical tourism.

As initiated by the Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and jointly implemented by both Bangladesh and China, three tertiary level hospitals have been identified for the treatment of the Bangladeshi patients in Kunming and one more hospital for cancer treatment is in the process of inclusion.​

 

[Saif]

BNP vows to strengthen ties with China if elected, seeks strategic balance

BNP senior leader Dr Abul Moyeen Khan on Tuesday unequivocally told Yunnan Province leaders that if his party comes to power, it would prioritise deepening strategic and diplomatic relations with China to ensure a balance of geopolitical power. "It's simple that we are in a geographical posit

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP vows to strengthen ties with China if elected, seeks strategic balance
UNB
Published :
Mar 04, 2025 22:21
Updated :
Mar 04, 2025 22:21

BNP senior leader Dr Abul Moyeen Khan on Tuesday unequivocally told Yunnan Province leaders that if his party comes to power, it would prioritise deepening strategic and diplomatic relations with China to ensure a balance of geopolitical power.

"It's simple that we are in a geographical position where, on three sides, we are encircled by a big and powerful country. We need to balance and bring equilibrium to our geopolitical role and location through our close relationship with China," he told a meeting with Yunnan Province Vice Governor Xu Hao.

He said this diplomatic and strategic balancing is essential for the survival of Bangladesh. "I sincerely wish, as in the past, China will continue to offer its fullest support to Bangladesh and its people."

A 21-member Bangladesh friendship delegation, led by Dr Moyeen Khan, attended the meeting at the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Yunnan Province.

Senior officials from various departments of the provincial government were present.

On behalf of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Dr Moyeen extended heartfelt congratulations to the Communist Party of China and Yunnan provincial leaders.

He also noted that Khaleda Zia has been a consistent and longstanding friend of China for several decades.

Dr Moyeen said the BNP's Acting Chairman has sent them to China with wishes to strengthen future collaboration and friendship between China and Bangladesh.

Following the mass uprising in Bangladesh last year, he said, political parties, including BNP, have been eagerly waiting for a national election.

"If our party, BNP, along with our allies, is elected by people and forms the government, our first steps will be to strengthen our friendship with the people of China. This is a commitment from BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman," he said.

He said the people of Bangladesh have long regarded China as one of their trusted friends.

Dr Moyeen said Bangladesh is one-third the size of Yunnan, but its population is three times larger, highlighting the immense pressure on the government to ensure that people receive their rightful benefits and privileges.

He said Bangladesh is primarily an agriculture-based country, much like Yunnan province.

"Bangladesh is striving to develop industrially, especially in the Ready Made Garment (RMG) sector, as well as in other areas, though not as successfully as we have in the garment sector," he observed.

The BNP leader urged Chinese authorities to extend their cooperation in the agricultural and financial sectors of Bangladesh.

He mentioned that the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka has already indicated support for a water management project along one of the country's major rivers, the Teesta.

Dr Moyeen said the Chinese Ambassador has also indicated that China would support a $1 billion investment to implement this water management and irrigation project.

He said millions of poor people, particularly farmers, would greatly benefit if the project is implemented.

Dr Moyeen expressed the hope that steps would be taken in the future to initiate the project with China's cooperation.

As Yunnan is very close to China, Dr Moyeen said this province serves as a gateway to China for Bangladesh to enhance bilateral trade and commerce.

He stressed the importance of implementing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), connecting Bangladesh with China via Myanmar. "We are eagerly waiting for the initiation and completion of this segment of the BRI. Kunming can play a very important role in this regard."

Dr Moyeen mentioned that while Bangladesh shares a large common border with a big country in Southeast Asia, it does not have a direct border with China. "But we believe China is Bangladesh's closest neighbour."

Yunnan Province Vice Governor Xu Hao responded by stating that China, particularly the Yunnan provincial government, considers Bangladesh a very close and important neighbour.

He expressed the hope that the people-to-people relationship between China and Bangladesh would continue to grow in the future.

Xu Hao also said Yunnan is eager to assist Bangladesh's renewable energy and agricultural sectors.

He also said four top hospitals in Yunnan have been designated to specifically treat Bangladeshi patients.

The Yunaan leader said many universities in Yunnan have become popular study destinations for South Asian countries. "We warmly welcome more Bangladeshi students to study in Yunnan and we"ll offer various scholarships for them."

Earlier, on February 25, a 21-member 'unique' delegation, comprising leaders from eight political parties, including the BNP, travelled to China for an 11-day visit at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

BNP Legal Affairs Secretary Kayser Kamal, General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal Shohidul Islam, General Secretary of Jubo Dal Nurul Islam Nayon, General Secretary of Swechchhasebak Dal Razib Ahsan and General Secretary of Chhatra Dal Nasir Uddin, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Huq, Jatiya Dal Chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda, Executive Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Abul Hasan Md Shahidul Islam Rubel, National People's Party Chairman AZM Fariduzzaman, Nationalist Democratic Movement Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad Muhammad Rashed Khan, Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Maulana Ataullah Amin, Dr Moyeen Khan's wife, Advocate Roksana Khondker, Dhaka University's International Relations department Prof Lailufar Yasmin, among others, the delegation members, participated in the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Three Kunming hospitals to offer advanced medical treatment to Bangladeshi patients

Three hospitals in Kunming, China are fully prepared to offer advanced medical treatment to Bangladeshi patients, marking a new chapter in medical cooperation between Bangladesh and China. “We’re ready to welcome Bangladeshi patients at our designated hospitals and provide advanced tre

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Three Kunming hospitals to offer advanced medical treatment to Bangladeshi patients
UNB
Published :
Mar 05, 2025 20:24
Updated :
Mar 05, 2025 20:24

Three hospitals in Kunming, China are fully prepared to offer advanced medical treatment to Bangladeshi patients, marking a new chapter in medical cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

“We’re ready to welcome Bangladeshi patients at our designated hospitals and provide advanced treatment,” said Yunnan Province Health Commissioner Wang Jiankun.

He made the remarks during a meeting with a 21-member Bangladesh delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, at the conference room of Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital.

Jiankun said the first group of 11 Bangladeshi patients will depart for China on March 10.

Of them, he said three children will receive treatment at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital.

Jiankun emphasised that China is keen to continue enhancing its cooperation with Bangladesh across various sectors, including healthcare.

He assured the delegation that Bangladeshi patients would receive world-class treatment at affordable prices in Yunnan.

Besides, Jiankun confirmed that special facilities such as halal food, accommodation, and a streamlined visa process would be provided to Bangladeshi patients.

To address language barriers, he mentioned that each hospital has arranged for interpreters to assist Bangladeshi patients.

The three leading hospitals in Kunming designated for Bangladeshi patients are the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, and the hospital affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

These hospitals will offer specialised services in cardiovascular care, complex surgeries, cancer therapy, orthopaedics, and the treatment of kidney and liver diseases.

During the meeting, Dr Moyeen Khan expressed his satisfaction with the hospital’s facilities. While Bangladesh is a small country, providing advanced healthcare to its large population has always been a challenge, he noted.

The BNP leader thanked the Chinese government for its initiative to offer treatment to Bangladeshi patients in Kunming.

“About 90 percent of people in Bangladesh can’t afford treatment abroad, such as in Singapore and Thailand, and many are deprived of essential medical care within Bangladesh,” he said.

Dr Moyeen said his party is committed to ensuring better healthcare facilities for every Bangladeshi if it is voted into power in the upcoming election.

He also highlighted that Bangladesh requires substantial cooperation from China to modernise and further develop its healthcare sector.

The delegation raised several points during the meeting, including reducing treatment costs for Bangladeshi patients, simplifying the visa process, and lowering airfares.

Earlier, the Bangladesh delegation visited Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital, one of the three hospitals designated for treating Bangladeshi patients, to observe the medical facilities available.

Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by the hospital authorities’ led by CPC Vice Secretary Chai Wei.

He took them on a visit to the hospital’s various departments before they participated in the meeting.​

 

[Bilal9]

ড. ইউনূসকে নিতে বিশেষ বিমান পাঠাবে চীন, তীক্ষ্ণ দৃষ্টি মোদীর! (China intends to send a special plane to take Dr. Yunus to China)​

I don't know what ahammuk designed the graphics for this story in Bangladesh, but our chief adviser is not flying to China in an Airbus super guppy transport plane! I fail to see the connection.

 

[Bilal9]

BNP vows to strengthen ties with China if elected, seeks strategic balance

BNP senior leader Dr Abul Moyeen Khan on Tuesday unequivocally told Yunnan Province leaders that if his party comes to power, it would prioritise deepening strategic and diplomatic relations with China to ensure a balance of geopolitical power. "It's simple that we are in a geographical posit

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP vows to strengthen ties with China if elected, seeks strategic balance
UNB
Published :
Mar 04, 2025 22:21
Updated :
Mar 04, 2025 22:21

View attachment 15116

BNP senior leader Dr Abul Moyeen Khan on Tuesday unequivocally told Yunnan Province leaders that if his party comes to power, it would prioritise deepening strategic and diplomatic relations with China to ensure a balance of geopolitical power.

"It's simple that we are in a geographical position where, on three sides, we are encircled by a big and powerful country. We need to balance and bring equilibrium to our geopolitical role and location through our close relationship with China," he told a meeting with Yunnan Province Vice Governor Xu Hao.

He said this diplomatic and strategic balancing is essential for the survival of Bangladesh. "I sincerely wish, as in the past, China will continue to offer its fullest support to Bangladesh and its people."

A 21-member Bangladesh friendship delegation, led by Dr Moyeen Khan, attended the meeting at the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Yunnan Province.

Senior officials from various departments of the provincial government were present.

On behalf of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Dr Moyeen extended heartfelt congratulations to the Communist Party of China and Yunnan provincial leaders.

He also noted that Khaleda Zia has been a consistent and longstanding friend of China for several decades.

Dr Moyeen said the BNP's Acting Chairman has sent them to China with wishes to strengthen future collaboration and friendship between China and Bangladesh.

Following the mass uprising in Bangladesh last year, he said, political parties, including BNP, have been eagerly waiting for a national election.

"If our party, BNP, along with our allies, is elected by people and forms the government, our first steps will be to strengthen our friendship with the people of China. This is a commitment from BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman," he said.

He said the people of Bangladesh have long regarded China as one of their trusted friends.

Dr Moyeen said Bangladesh is one-third the size of Yunnan, but its population is three times larger, highlighting the immense pressure on the government to ensure that people receive their rightful benefits and privileges.

He said Bangladesh is primarily an agriculture-based country, much like Yunnan province.

"Bangladesh is striving to develop industrially, especially in the Ready Made Garment (RMG) sector, as well as in other areas, though not as successfully as we have in the garment sector," he observed.

The BNP leader urged Chinese authorities to extend their cooperation in the agricultural and financial sectors of Bangladesh.

He mentioned that the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka has already indicated support for a water management project along one of the country's major rivers, the Teesta.

Dr Moyeen said the Chinese Ambassador has also indicated that China would support a $1 billion investment to implement this water management and irrigation project.

He said millions of poor people, particularly farmers, would greatly benefit if the project is implemented.

Dr Moyeen expressed the hope that steps would be taken in the future to initiate the project with China's cooperation.

As Yunnan is very close to China, Dr Moyeen said this province serves as a gateway to China for Bangladesh to enhance bilateral trade and commerce.

He stressed the importance of implementing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), connecting Bangladesh with China via Myanmar. "We are eagerly waiting for the initiation and completion of this segment of the BRI. Kunming can play a very important role in this regard."

Dr Moyeen mentioned that while Bangladesh shares a large common border with a big country in Southeast Asia, it does not have a direct border with China. "But we believe China is Bangladesh's closest neighbour."

Yunnan Province Vice Governor Xu Hao responded by stating that China, particularly the Yunnan provincial government, considers Bangladesh a very close and important neighbour.

He expressed the hope that the people-to-people relationship between China and Bangladesh would continue to grow in the future.

Xu Hao also said Yunnan is eager to assist Bangladesh's renewable energy and agricultural sectors.

He also said four top hospitals in Yunnan have been designated to specifically treat Bangladeshi patients.

The Yunaan leader said many universities in Yunnan have become popular study destinations for South Asian countries. "We warmly welcome more Bangladeshi students to study in Yunnan and we"ll offer various scholarships for them."

Earlier, on February 25, a 21-member 'unique' delegation, comprising leaders from eight political parties, including the BNP, travelled to China for an 11-day visit at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

BNP Legal Affairs Secretary Kayser Kamal, General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal Shohidul Islam, General Secretary of Jubo Dal Nurul Islam Nayon, General Secretary of Swechchhasebak Dal Razib Ahsan and General Secretary of Chhatra Dal Nasir Uddin, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Huq, Jatiya Dal Chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda, Executive Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Abul Hasan Md Shahidul Islam Rubel, National People's Party Chairman AZM Fariduzzaman, Nationalist Democratic Movement Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad Muhammad Rashed Khan, Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Maulana Ataullah Amin, Dr Moyeen Khan's wife, Advocate Roksana Khondker, Dhaka University's International Relations department Prof Lailufar Yasmin, among others, the delegation members, participated in the meeting.​

I think the Chinese are acutely aware that BNP has already agreed to being India's tabedaar (B Team and agent) in Bangladesh. BNP singing fake sweet songs to China ain't gonna help...

Further it was BNP who had accommodated establishing a Trade Office for Taiwan in Dhaka at the behest of New Delhi, which seriously jeopardized Dhaka's friendly relationship with Beijing. One-China policy is something that all of China's friends should abide by, no matter what.

 

[Bilal9]

China-funded Mongla seaport dev project gets going

Close on the heels of Dhaka-Beijing talks for an update on relations, the interim government may approve the much-awaited China-funded Mongla-seaport-development project tomorrow (Wednesday), officials said. The project was sent back from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Counci

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

China-funded Mongla seaport dev project gets going
FHM HUAMAYN KABIR
Published :
Jan 28, 2025 00:20
Updated :
Jan 28, 2025 00:20

Close on the heels of Dhaka-Beijing talks for an update on relations, the interim government may approve the much-awaited China-funded Mongla-seaport-development project tomorrow (Wednesday), officials said.

The project was sent back from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2020 as the ousted Sheikh Hasina government favoured a similar project proposed to be funded by India, they said Monday.

The Planning Commission (PC) is going to place the stalled project proposal before the ECNEC, expected to convene Wednesday.

Issues involving the Dhaka-Beijing cooperation, apparently are gathering pace following Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain's maiden China mission after the August-5th student-mass uprising brought regime change. He came back from China on January 23 after the four-day visit when he had talks with the Chinese foreign minister.

"We are going to place the China-funded Tk40.68-billion project for the Mongla port upgrading as Bangladesh's current interim government is also interested to build good relations with Beijing like with other neighbouring countries," says a senior PC official.

China has assured Bangladesh of providing Tk 35.93 billion or US$335.78 million worth of loan for implementing the proposed port-development project, deemed important as the Mongla is set to become a regional porting hub.

Earlier in 2020, the past government allowed Indian financial support for a separate project on upgrading the Mongla seaport, now gaining prominence with major communications-infrastructure development done by China in the region connecting the capital, Dhaka.

Currently, the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) under the Ministry of Shipping has been implementing the Tk60.15-billion project since 2020 for upgrading the port with part financing of Tk44.59 billion from Indian loans.

During the visit of the Foreign Adviser, China proposed to Bangladesh government for making investment in Mongla-seaport development, among other areas of cooperation.

Dhaka considered the proposal on a positive approach as it wants more concessional loans and their speedy confirmation from Beijing to upgrade infrastructures as a couple of the assured loans is pending for years, said government officials.

A few years back, Beijing proposed to invest in Bangladesh's second-largest port, Mongla, for the development, a senior Economic Relations Division (ERD) official said.

Earlier, the project was put on hold by the deposed Sheikh Hasina government allegedly on "geopolitical considerations" in September last year, he added.

Another PC official says they had scrutinised the China-funded project proposal more than a month back.

"Now the government high-ups have given the green signal to place the proposal before the next ECNEC meeting for approval. So, we are going to place," the PC official adds.

The MPA more than a month back sought approval for Tk 40.68 billion as cost of 'Expansion and Modernization of Mongla Port Facility Project' where China has proposed to provide Tk 35.93 billion (nearly US$335.78 million) in loan.

"We have scrutinised the project and sent to Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud for endorsement before placing to the ECNEC more than three weeks ago. Now he has given the green signal for placing before the ECNEC," says another PC official.

The MPA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) on August 24, 2021 and the latter submitted its financial bid and technical proposal on January 28, 2023.

The CCECC will be assigned to build two new container jetties, a loaded container yard, an empty container yard and a hazardous cargo-handling yard.

Expansion and Modernisation of Mongla Port Facility project was listed among the 27 development projects that China pledged to fund by signing an umbrella deal back in 2016 during President Xi Jinping's visit to Dhaka.

Construction of two container jetties will enhance Mongla seaport's container-handling capacity by 394,000 twenty-foot-equivalent units (TEUs) per annum.

Following construction of many mega-infrastructures, particularly in Bangladesh's southern part-especially the Padma Bridge-the Mongla seaport's importance has increased manifold with vistas of opportunities in trade and connectivity opening up.

It has now become nearest seaport to the capital, Dhaka, and recently many international shipping lines have shown interest in plying to the port.

The entire western part of Bangladesh and its adjoining areas are considered hinterland, having a unique opportunity to play vital role in the arena of international and regional trade and economy, officials told their Chinese counterparts regarding the importance of the project.

In unlocking its potential the Mongla seaport recently registered a record in terms of ship arrivals, cargo handling, and revenue earning.

In 2020, the port saw a turnout of 970 ships-the highest in its 70-year history. It earned a profit of Tk 1.30 billion from the limited-scale port operations.​

This makes me happy to no end.

Under Chinese technical help, design and planning, Mongla will become as good as Chittagong as a port, and hopefully handle as many (3 Million TEUs annually) containers within the next 5 years.

This is very important when one considers that Mongla port is much closer to Dhaka than Chittagong port, and on top of it, fast container trains can be run from Dhaka to Mongla via Padma Bridge Rail link in far less time.

Whatever is needed, Luffing cranes and Container Cranes, all China can design and supply up to the highest capacities, along with all port logistics and auxiliary equipment. Chinese heavy engineering machinery such as container handling equipment is already being used heavily in Bangladesh' other busy ports.

Best news I have heard about Bangladesh all week!