Senior Correspondent, Dhaka:
Bangladesh and China have discussed expanding cooperation under the Bangladesh-China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM), alongside infrastructure, energy, and human-resource development, as Dhaka seeks to deepen economic engagement with Beijing.
The discussions took place during Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen’s courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, at her office in Dhaka, according to a foreign ministry press release.
The meeting highlighted several areas with potential economic and strategic significance, including the BCIM Economic Corridor, the Chinese Economic Zone, and the development of Mongla Port. Progress in these areas could strengthen Bangladesh’s connectivity, industrial capacity, and access to regional trade networks, although the pace and scope of implementation will remain important factors.
The two sides also discussed a proposed 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur, education, human-resource development, people-to-people exchanges, and energy cooperation, including renewable energy. Women’s empowerment was also included in the talks, indicating an effort to broaden bilateral cooperation beyond large infrastructure projects.
Shama recalled Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China and appreciated Beijing’s continued support for Bangladesh’s development, particularly in infrastructure, human development, and capacity building.
Ambassador Yao reaffirmed China’s commitment to Bangladesh as a trusted partner and friend, while noting progress in bilateral relations in recent years.
The invitation for Shama to visit China with a delegation of Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs adds an economic and people-to-people dimension to the engagement.
The latest discussions suggest that Bangladesh-China ties are being pursued through a broader framework combining connectivity, trade, infrastructure, energy, and human-resource development.
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