Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited China for a three-day bilateral visit, culminating in a series of significant agreements and announcements. During the visit, Hasina met with President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, signifying the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The visit saw the signing of 21 agreements and the launch of seven new projects, signifying a commitment to elevate their strategic partnership to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.” These agreements encompass a wide range of areas including the economic and banking sectors, trade and investment, digital economy, infrastructure development, disaster management, construction of bridges, agricultural product export, and people-to-people connectivity.
China pledged to support Bangladesh’s development through various forms of financial assistance, including grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans, and commercial loans. This support reflects China’s commitment to Bangladesh’s economic growth and development. The two countries also announced the “Conclusion of Joint Feasibility Study on China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement” and “Commencement of Negotiation on the Optimisation of China-Bangladesh Bilateral Investment Treaty,” highlighting the focus on enhancing economic cooperation.
The Rohingya crisis was also a key topic of discussion. President Xi Jinping assured Prime Minister Hasina that China would play an important role in resolving the crisis by engaging in dialogue with the Myanmar government and the Arakan army. This commitment signifies China’s involvement in addressing the humanitarian concerns related to the Rohingya refugees.
To further strengthen people-to-people ties, the two sides agreed to hold the ‘China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchange’ next year, focusing on promoting exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, media, sports, and other fields. This initiative aims to build stronger cultural bridges and deepen mutual understanding between the two nations.
Bangladesh’s state-run news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), highlighted the agreements signed, which included a ‘MoU on Strengthening Investment Cooperation in the Digital Economy,’ ‘MoU on Banking and Insurance Regulatory between China National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) and Bangladesh Bank,’ ‘A Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements Export of Fresh Mangoes from Bangladesh to China,’ ‘MoU on Strengthening the Infrastructure Cooperation,’ ‘MoU on Cooperation on Green and Low-Carbon Development,’ and ‘Renewing the MoU on Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu/ Brahmaputra River in Flood Season by China to Bangladesh.’
These agreements demonstrate the multifaceted collaboration between Bangladesh and China, covering areas crucial for economic growth, regional stability, and people-to-people exchanges. The visit signals a commitment to fostering a strong and enduring partnership between the two nations.
