Dhaka: Bangladesh and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a training centre under the China-Bangladesh Vocational Education, Training and Research Centre, marking a new chapter in cooperation on technical education and skills development. Prime Minister's Education and Primary and Mass Education Adviser and Chief Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office Mahdi Amin highlighted that the partnership would elevate diplomatic relations between the two nations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the MoU was signed by Md Daud Mia, secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division of Bangladesh's Education Ministry, and Prof Zheng Pengwu, vice president of Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University. The agreement aims to foster cooperation in vocational training programs, bilingual educational materials, vocational education research, and industry-education integration, alongside study visits to China and specialised training programs.
The partnership will also explore collaborations with Chinese-invested companies in Bangladesh to expand practical training opportunities. Mahdi Amin emphasized that the cooperation should extend beyond formal agreements to create employment and other opportunities for young people. "Turning education into skills, skills into employment and employment into opportunities is our main objective," he stated.
The conference also saw the inauguration of three significant international education and research cooperation platforms. Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon and Fan Honghui jointly inaugurated the China-Bangladesh Vocational Teacher Training Centre. Mahdi Amin and Prof Pei Hongwei inaugurated the Bangladesh Vocational Education Research Centre, while Md Daud Mia and Prof Zheng Pengwu launched the Bangladesh "Chinese Language + Skill Development" Cooperation Centre.
These initiatives are anticipated to create new opportunities for teacher training, practical training for students, and industry links during final semesters, as well as curriculum development, research cooperation, teacher and student exchanges, Chinese language and vocational education, industry-linked training, and employment-oriented skills development in Bangladesh.
Mahdi Amin reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship with China under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He highlighted the importance of connecting education and employment, ensuring that young people are prepared for careers, innovation, and the future.
Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon praised China's achievements in education, technology, technical training, and industrial development. He expressed Bangladesh's eagerness to learn from China's experience in building an industry-linked vocational education system. The minister emphasized that with access to quality technical education, practical training, and modern skills, Bangladesh's young population could become a skilled and globally competitive workforce.
Senior Chinese participants included Fan Honghui, deputy director of the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Education; Wu Zuowen, director of the International Office; Prof Pei Hongwei, party secretary of Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University; and Prof Zheng Pengwu, vice president of the university. Presidents and representatives of prominent Chinese educational institutions, teachers, researchers, students, and leading industrial entrepreneurs also attended the conference.
Representatives from 19 internationally recognized Chinese universities and technical institutes participated in the event. The conference, MoU, and newly established cooperation platforms are seen as crucial steps toward a long-term Bangladesh-China partnership in vocational education, skills development, research, and industry-education integration.
At the invitation of the Chinese government, Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon and Prime Minister's Adviser and Chief Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office Mahdi Amin are visiting China on a three-day official trip to attend various programs and discussions on technical and vocational education.