China has expressed interest in increasing cooperation in trade, investment, technology and infrastructure development to speed up Bangladesh’s development. At the same time, the country has assured to stand by Bangladesh for a peaceful solution to the Rohingya crisis. In this context, the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized on strengthening the relationship with China for the benefit of Bangladesh.

Today Saturday (July 18) in the Padma Hall of Hotel Sonargaon in the capital, the local government minister said in the speech of the chief guest at the discussion meeting titled ‘Long Live Bangladesh-China Friendship’ organized by Bangladesh-China Friendship Association that the relationship between Bangladesh and China is historical and with time it has become deeper and multi-dimensional. After independence, the relationship between the two countries gained a strong foundation during the time of martyred President Ziaur Rahman. Later, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s visit to China played an important role in furthering this relationship.

The minister said that currently Bangladesh-China relations are not only limited to the state level; It has also expanded into education, commerce, technology and people-to-people communication. Many Bangladeshi students are pursuing higher education in China, entrepreneurs are expanding businesses and creating new employment opportunities by bringing modern technology to the country.

He said, China’s unprecedented progress in science, technology and economy is a great opportunity for Bangladesh. If China’s experience, technology and investment can be used effectively, the development of the country will be more dynamic.

The local government minister also said that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China have a long-standing relationship. BNP has maintained political ties with China even while in opposition. He said that for the national interest of Bangladesh, besides strengthening relations with China, it is necessary to maintain balanced and mutually beneficial relations with other countries of the world including India, Europe, USA.

Speaking as a special guest at the event, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that China can be an important partner to accelerate the economic progress of Bangladesh. He emphasized China’s proactive role in trade and export expansion, China-Myanmar-Bangladesh road connectivity and peaceful resolution of the Rohingya crisis.

China’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, said that China is interested in increasing business, trade and investment with Bangladesh. He reiterated the assurance of China’s cooperation in resolving the Rohingya crisis as well as continuing bilateral cooperation.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present as a special guest in the event organized under the chairmanship of Bangladesh-China Friendship Association President Nazmul Haque Nannu.

SOURCE: WSN24