Dhaka, Beijing to Elevate Bilateral Ties to New Heights

China and Bangladesh have agreed to elevate their relations to a new level following a historic bilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, focused on a range of mutual interests, with President Xi reaffirming China's full support for Yunus and the reform agenda of Bangladesh's Interim Government.

In a rare gesture of respect, President Xi personally greeted Prof. Yunus upon his arrival at the Great Hall, a significant diplomatic gesture. This marks Prof. Yunus's first bilateral visit to a foreign country.

President Xi described Bangladesh as an important neighbor and offered to share China’s development experience to further strengthen cooperation, helping Bangladesh accelerate its growth. He confirmed that China would continue providing zero-tariff facilities to Bangladeshi goods until 2028, even after Bangladesh's graduation from least-developed country status.

Xi also proposed initiating negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Investment Agreement with Bangladesh to encourage more Chinese investment. Furthermore, China expressed interest in relocating Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, aligning with Prof. Yunus's request for a shift in Chinese investment policy.

The Chinese president promised support for establishing an exclusive Chinese industrial economic zone and industrial parks in Bangladesh. He also welcomed increased exports of Bangladeshi goods to China and emphasized cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as in the digital and maritime sectors.

In a significant gesture, President Xi announced that China would build a specialized hospital in Bangladesh and invited more Bangladeshis to seek medical treatment in Chinese hospitals, particularly in Yunnan.

On the political front, Prof. Yunus sought China's support for resolving the ongoing Rohingya crisis. President Xi reiterated China’s backing for the repatriation of displaced Rohingya people back to Myanmar, where they had originally fled from.

Prof. Yunus also invited China to establish a cultural center in Bangladesh and requested assistance in lowering interest rates on Chinese loans for Bangladesh’s projects, as well as waiving commitment fees.

During the meeting, President Xi fondly recalled his two visits to Bangladesh and his previous work on microcredit, pioneered by Prof. Yunus. He mentioned his appreciation for Bangladeshi mangoes and jackfruit, which China plans to import in the future.

The two leaders also discussed China’s potential support for the Teesta River project, as well as the procurement of multi-role combat aircraft and enhanced multimodal transport connectivity between southern China’s Kunming and Bangladeshi ports.

"This visit marks a historical turning point, with both nations laying the groundwork for a long-lasting strategic partnership," said Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative of the Chief Adviser, who is part of the Bangladesh delegation.

The meeting was attended by senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Zheng Shanjie, and Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. From Bangladesh, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, and Dr. Khalilur Rahman were present.