Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday told Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that China will extend cooperation to Bangladesh in four areas — grant, interest-free loans, concessional loans and commercial loans.
For that, a technical committee from China will go to Bangladesh very soon to work jointly with the Bangladesh side, he said during a meeting with the visiting Bangladesh prime minister at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in the afternoon, reports UNB.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud briefed the reporters afterwards about the outcomes of the meeting, which he said was “fruitful” and took place in a “very cordial atmosphere”.
The Chinese president said his country will continue its support to Bangladesh and it wants to increasingly invest in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh and China will celebrate the 50 years of their diplomatic relations and keeping this in mind, Xi expressed interest in taking the “strategic and deep relationship” to the second phase.
Hasina mentioned China's phenomenal development in the last few decades as a source of inspiration for the developing countries.
Before Sheikh Hasina mentioned the Rohingya issue, XI said, “I know that you have sheltered millions of Rohingyas displaced from Myanmar. This is a burning issue for you. We will do our best to help you to resolve it.”
Referring to the current situation in Myanmar, Xi said they will play an important role in solving this problem by communicating with the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army, if necessary.
The prime minister thanked Xi for China's role in building infrastructure and some iconic structures, especially Padma Bridge and Bangabandhu Tunnel in Bangladesh.
China will continue to support Bangladesh in its development and progress, said the foreign minister.
Prime Minister Hasina also emphasised deepening the relationship between the two countries.
She also emphasised on reducing China's trade deficit with Bangladesh. In this regard, the Chinese president also said that they will import more products from Bangladesh. Referring to the import of mangoes, he reiterated their interest in importing other products.
Xi emphasised increasing cultural exchange, people-to-people contact between the two countries.
The prime minister laid emphasis on reducing the trade deficit with China. In this regard, the Chinese president said his country will increase their import from Bangladesh.
Xi expressed interest in China's assistance in the production of engineering products. He also appreciated Bangladesh's position in favour of the One-China policy and thanked Prime Minister Hasina.
The Chinese president said they do not interfere in the internal affairs of any country and they also do not want anyone else to interfere in one's internal affairs.
Prime Minister Hasina said that 800 acres of land have been allocated in Chattogram’s Anwara for the Chinese investors.
She asked the Chinese president to urge the Chinese investors to invest there.
She also called for Chinese investment in 100 economic zones and IT villages while the Chinese president said that his country wants to invest more in Bangladesh.
The two countries will work together in international forums and will work together for world peace and prosperity.
Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman and her Press Secretary Md Nayeemul Islam Khan were also present at the foreign minister’s press briefing.
