Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday (April 21) at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka to follow up on the outcomes of the Chief Adviser’s recent visit to China.
During the meeting, both parties reviewed key developments from the trip and discussed future steps to fast-track collaboration between Bangladesh and China across multiple sectors including infrastructure, trade, education, healthcare, and culture.
Professor Yunus emphasized the urgency of translating discussions into actions. “Our immediate goal is to carry forward the plans we agreed upon in China,” he said, adding that it is essential to maintain the momentum.
Ambassador Yao Wen agreed, saying, “This is also our main focus. The meetings in China were of significant importance, and we want to move into implementation mode swiftly, not wait another few years for formalities.”
A key agenda item was the progress on Mongla and Anowara economic zones. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA, confirmed that groundwork is nearly complete, and developers will soon be invited to begin construction.
Officials from the Chief Adviser’s Office revealed that discussions also covered the planned acquisition of four vessels from China, with assurances from the Chinese side that delivery would be finalized by June this year.
In a further boost to economic relations, the Chinese Ambassador announced that China’s Commerce Minister is set to visit Bangladesh shortly, accompanied by a delegation of around 100 investors. BIDA will host a focused investment forum during the visit, targeting sector-based partnerships.
Healthcare featured prominently in the talks. The Chinese side reiterated their pledge to build a 1,000-bed hospital in Bangladesh, an initiative originally outlined during the China trip. Support for a burn unit in Chattogram is also in progress.
Other developments include efforts to begin direct flights between Kunming and Chattogram, along with measures to ease the medical visa process for Bangladeshi patients seeking treatment in China.
Professor Yunus highlighted the value of cultural exchange and proposed setting up a Chinese Cultural Centre and Language Institute in Bangladesh, to help youth access Chinese language and culture.
Both sides expressed interest in launching a 50-year master plan for water management, with special focus on the Teesta River basin.
The Chief Adviser also raised the topic of jute exports, proposing greater Chinese investments in the locomotive sector. He suggested establishing manufacturing and maintenance hubs in Syedpur and Chattogram, along with skill development initiatives.
In the area of agriculture, Bangladesh is set to export mangoes to China this year, with jackfruit exports expected to follow next season. “I plan to send President Xi a basket of our finest mangoes,” said Professor Yunus with a smile.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalliur Rahman, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Faiz Taieb, Principal Secretary Sirajuddin Mia, and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.
BDST: 1249 HRS, April 21, 2025
MSK
