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ASIA, BANGLADESH, BANGLADESH FOREIGN SERVICE ACADEMY, BEIJING, BILATERAL COOPERATION, CENTRE FOR ALTERNATIVES, CHINA, DEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, DHAKA UNIVERSITY, ECONOMIC COOPERATION, IMTIAZ AHMED, INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, KUNMING, SHAHNAWAZ MOHSIN, SYED, TRADE, YAO, YAO WEN, YUNNAN, YUNNAN PROVINCE OF CHINA
Sophia Klein
China Committed to Expanding Investment in Bangladesh: Ambassador Yao Wen
Ambassador Yao Wen announced China’s intention to promote investments in Bangladesh, particularly in textiles, clean energy, and technology. He recognized the importance of bilateral cooperation and declared the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China relations as an opportunity for enhancement. Recent surveys indicated a growing positive perception of China among Bangladeshis, reflecting strong public support for deeper ties between the two countries.
On Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen expressed China’s commitment to encourage investments from businesses in Bangladesh, particularly focusing on textiles and garments, clean energy, electric vehicles, and digital technology. During his remarks at a seminar titled “National Image of China in Bangladesh,” he emphasized China’s intent to enhance trade relations by offering zero-tariff treatment ahead of Bangladesh’s transition from a least developed country.
Since the establishment of the interim government, 14 Chinese companies have collectively invested approximately 230 million USD in Bangladesh. Ambassador Yao urged both nations to collaboratively promote the positive narrative of China-Bangladesh relations and encouraged continuous development of their strategic partnership to achieve fruitful results in the future.
The seminar, hosted by the Centre for Alternatives, featured insights from experts including Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed and other scholars, discussing the potential for a more balanced trade and increased Chinese investments in Bangladesh’s industrial and technology sectors. The participants highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships to enhance sustainable infrastructure development between the two nations.
Ambassador Yao acknowledged China’s involvement in regional diplomacy, particularly concerning the Rohingya crisis. He stressed the significance of strengthening the brotherhood between the peoples of Bangladesh and China, noting the milestone of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
The ambassador noted recent exchanges between Bangladesh and China and mentioned a medical group visiting Kunming, China, for healthcare assessments. He indicated plans to expand cooperation, incorporating more cities and hospitals to enhance medical options for Bangladeshi patients.
The report on public perception of China, conducted by the Centre for Alternatives, revealed growing appreciation for China among Bangladeshis, with an increase in the recognition of China’s economic advancements. Ambassador Yao pointed to favorable statistics highlighting that 66.7% of Bangladeshis perceived China positively in 2024, up from 60.1% in 2022.
He also emphasized the growing interest among Bangladeshi citizens in visiting China for education and medical treatment, alongside the challenges faced in enhancing people-to-people exchanges. The ambassador highlighted the establishment of direct flights between the capitals and noted that 58 flights operate weekly, accommodating over 11,000 passengers. This facilitates easier travel and interaction, supporting closer ties between the two countries.
In summary, Ambassador Yao Wen’s discussions underscore China’s dedication to enhancing investments in Bangladesh across key economic sectors. The growing positive perception of China among the Bangladeshi populace represents a significant opportunity for strengthened bilateral relations, particularly in the realms of trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges. The continued efforts to foster a comprehensive partnership signal a promising future for both nations as they collaborate on mutual development initiatives.
Original Source: unb.com.bd
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