Chinese President Xi Jinping today assured that China will remain a 'trusted friend' of Bangladesh in implementing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s development vision. Xi gave the assurance when Tarique Rahman met him on the final day of the premier’s visit to China at the Great Hall of the People this morning. The two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues of mutual interest.
Xi's Assurance of Long-term Support
'During the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi has assured Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of China’s long-term support for Bangladesh’s development, saying that China would remain a ‘trusted friend’ throughout Bangladesh’s development journey,' Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir told a press conference at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse here.
Xi emphasized that the friendship and partnership between the two countries were not temporary, but rather a long-term commitment by China under his leadership to Bangladesh’s development. The Chinese President also expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit would further accelerate Bangladesh’s development.
Support for Development Initiatives
Xi assured that China is ready to support the implementation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s vision for Bangladesh’s development, economic transformation, regional cooperation, and stability. He praised Tarique Rahman’s development vision and expressed full confidence in his leadership.
China has expressed support for Bangladesh’s efforts to join BRICS and become a partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Beijing also voiced support for Bangladesh’s interest in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which could provide Bangladesh with greater access to regional markets.
Further Commitments from Chinese Leaders
Earlier, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, called on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the same venue. Zhao Leji reaffirmed China’s support for Bangladesh’s development and prosperity under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Zhao highlighted China’s close engagement with Bangladesh’s development priorities and assured continued Chinese cooperation in advancing the country’s development agenda. He identified opportunities for cooperation in healthcare, education, skills development, technical and vocational training, water resource management, and river management.
Economic and Investment Prospects
Kobir said that the Prime Minister’s meetings with Chinese business leaders and representatives from various industries could lead to several billion dollars in potential investment. In addition to investment, discussions were also held on concessional loans and grants.
Despite the global trend of limited grant-based financing, China has pledged more than US$300 million in grant assistance. Giving an overall assessment of the visit, Humayun Kabir described it as 'historic' and 'transformational.' He said the visit will be regarded as a historic milestone from which Bangladesh will be able to exert a more positive and stronger influence across the region and the world.
