Dhaka: A 15-week Chinese Language Training Course for officials from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), and Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) was officially inaugurated recently. The initiative, which aims to enhance communication abilities with Chinese investors, marks a significant step in fostering stronger bilateral investment relations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the course is a collaborative effort between BIDA and the Confucius Institute of North South University. The inauguration ceremony took place in the BIDA Conference Room, with Mohammad Humayun Kabir, BIDA Executive Member, presiding over the event. A documentary showcasing the progress of Bangladesh-China cooperation was also screened during the ceremony.
Prof Bulbul Ashraf Siddiqi, the Local Director of the Confucius Institute at North South University, emphasized that institutional knowledge of the Chinese language and culture would be instrumental in enhancing communication with Chinese investors, thereby strengthening bilateral investment cooperation. Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, highlighted the long-standing and multi-dimensional nature of Bangladesh-China relations and noted that language education would deepen ties and open new avenues of cooperation.
Prof Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer of North South University, remarked on the Confucius Institute’s longstanding role in promoting Chinese language and culture in Bangladesh. He noted that the course would significantly contribute to the practical skill development of government officials. Mohammad Humayun Kabir stated that trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and China are steadily expanding, and acquiring basic proficiency in the Chinese language would enhance investment facilitation and communication with investors.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Xia Daojing, Third Secretary of the Chinese Embassy; Ma Xiaoyan, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute; and Chinese language teachers Huang Xinran and Li Yuanxi. Following the inauguration, the first class of the course commenced at 4:00 pm in BIDA’s training room.
A total of 38 officials-30 from BIDA, four from BEZA, and four from BEPZA-are enrolled in the program. The classes are scheduled to be conducted every Sunday and Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 5:40 pm.