Dhaka: Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen extended an invitation to President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir for a visit to China, on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The invitation was extended during a courtesy call at Bangabhaban, where both leaders discussed enhancing bilateral relations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the ambassador highlighted significant advancements achieved during the recent visit of Bangladesh's Prime Minister to China. Key developments included laying the foundation stone for the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), a commercial agreement for the modernization of Mongla Port, and potential collaboration on the Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
President Mirza Fakhrul expressed optimism that the Prime Minister's visit would strengthen the relationship between Bangladesh and China. Ambassador Yao mentioned that approximately 30 Chinese companies are expected to invest around USD 500 million in the CEIZ, potentially generating 100,000 jobs for local Bangladeshis.
The discussions also covered various topics of shared interest, such as the Teesta River Management Project, foreign minister-level strategic dialogues, and a '2+2' diplomatic and defense dialogue at the state minister level. Other areas of cooperation included the export of Bangladeshi fruits to China, solar energy projects, electric vehicle assembly plants, the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar economic corridor, and addressing the Rohingya crisis.
Ambassador Yao recalled President Mirza Fakhrul's visit to China in April, during his tenure as LGRD Minister, and expressed gratitude for his meeting with IDCPC Minister Liu Haixing. He also appreciated the gesture of handing over rare photographs and video footage depicting Liu Haixing's father, Liu Shuquing, presenting his credentials to then-President Ziaur Rahman in 1980.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to fortifying the existing relationship between the two nations and elevating their multifaceted cooperation to new levels.