Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir today emphasized the critical role of investment in transport infrastructure, aviation and digital networks in driving economic growth and enhancing regional connectivity. He urged for deeper cooperation between Bangladesh and China through knowledge sharing and institutional partnerships.
Kobir was speaking at the inaugural session of the four-day "Comparative Governance Forum 2026," jointly organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA) of China's Fudan University, held at the BIISS auditorium in Dhaka.
"Bangladesh's strategic location provides significant opportunities to strengthen regional connectivity and expand cooperation in trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchanges," Kobir noted. He welcomed greater collaboration with China and other international partners to advance sustainable infrastructure, aviation, tourism and innovation.
The adviser highlighted that future prosperity would depend not only on economic growth but also on the quality of institutions, social resilience and international cooperation. He emphasized the importance of comparative governance, stating that Bangladesh has much to learn from China's development experience while also sharing its own governance strengths.
Kobir described China as one of the world's most successful development stories, having lifted nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty through sustained reforms. He said that Bangladesh-China relations over the next 50 years could unlock new opportunities in economy, trade, technology, infrastructure and connectivity.
He expressed optimism over the recent meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying it would further strengthen bilateral relations. Kobir also underscored the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, modernizing public administration and accelerating digital transformation to improve governance and public service delivery.
