Bangladesh and China Deepen Ties Through Strategic Belt and Road Initiative Discussions

Last Updated on November 14, 2023 10:24 am

Dhaka, November 13, 2023 — Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during a successful exchange visit to China by a prominent delegation led by Lt Col Farook Khan MP, a Presidium member of Awami League. The visit, spanning from November 8th to the 12th, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and engage in substantive discussions on key regional issues.

In the panel discussions focused on the BRI, Lt Col Farook Khan MP showcased the positive impact of the initiative on Bangladesh’s development landscape. The emphasis was placed on the remarkable connectivity achieved between the capital city and rural areas through robust road and bridge networks. Notably, the agricultural sector has reaped the benefits with improved market access and fair pricing mechanisms. Lt Col Farook Khan MP dismissed concerns about a so-called “debt trap,” highlighting that BRI constitutes only 6% of global credit in Bangladesh, with the majority of loans sourced from institutions such as WDB, ADB, and IMF.

The discussions underscored the importance of elevating bilateral and multilateral cooperation to advance shared development agendas and leverage regional resources more effectively.

Beyond BRI deliberations, the delegation engaged with Vice Minister Ms Sun Hai Yan to acknowledge the longstanding ties and friendship between Bangladesh and China. Addressing the Rohingya issue, Ms Sun expressed support for Bangladesh’s efforts in facilitating the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine State, stressing the significance of regional cooperation.

On the subject of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections, the Chinese Communist Party reiterated its non-interference policy in the internal affairs of Bangladesh. Expressing optimism for a participatory and peaceful electoral process, the delegation proposed initiatives for river training, sustainable ecology, knowledge and technology exchange, and equitable trade and commerce between the two nations.

Ms Sun Hai Yan commended the leadership of HPM Sheikh Hasina for the rapid development in Bangladesh, extending congratulations on the appointment of Ms Sayema Wazed Putul as the Director of WHO for Asia and acknowledging her unique qualities.

The visit coincided with the “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – CPC in Dialogue with Political Parties of Southeast and South Asian Countries” in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The event saw the participation of eighteen countries from South Asia and Southeast Asia, fostering fruitful discussions among over 200 delegates, marking a significant stride towards enhanced regional cooperation and development.

During the visit, the delegation consisting of Presidium member of Awami League Lt Col Farook Khan MP, China Awami League advisor & ex – convenor Mr Tarun Kanti Das Kanti is also a member of international affairs central committee & Member Mr Khaled Masud Ahmed & Member Mr Suman Kundu attended various meetings with Liu Jian Chao.