PM seeks Chinese co-op for southern region dev

Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen has called on Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban on Wednesday.

Ambassador Yao said, with the common care and promotion of the leaders of the two countries, China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation has been continuously deepened and practical cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

At present, both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of development and revitalization, facing severe international situation. China is willing to strengthen the exchange of experience in governance between the two countries, continue to deepen all-round cooperation with Bangladesh.

China is committed to encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh, strengthening people-to-people exchange, supporting Bangladesh in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs, so as to help Bangladesh achieve its "Vision 2041" and "Smart Bangladesh" at an early date.

Ambassador Yao also exchanged views with Sheikh Hasina on issues of common concern including international issues and the repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought Chinese cooperation for Bangladesh's southern region's development as its Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen called on her at the official residence Ganabhaban.

"Direct road communication was already established with the country's southern region through Padma Bridge. I want China to help Bangladesh for its southern region's further development," prime minister's Speech Writer Md Nazrul Islam quoted her as saying in a media briefing after the meeting.

According to Islam, Sheikh Hasina told the Chinese envoy that the southern region of the country was neglected for so long as except for Awami League (AL), no government took effective steps for the development of this area, reports BSS.

Turning to cooperation, the Chinese ambassador requested the prime minister to offer specific proposal for the development of Bangladesh's southern region.

Yao Wen also conveyed an invitation to Sheikh Hasina to visit China in the coming July as the premier received the invitation.