Xi-Hasina meeting: China to cooperate with Bangladesh in grants and loans

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China will extend cooperation to Bangladesh in four areas grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans, and commercial loans.

For that, a technical committee from China will go to Bangladesh very soon to work jointly with the Bangladesh side.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Great Hall of the People in China on Wednesday afternoon.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud briefed the reporters about the outcomes of the meeting, which he said was “fruitful” and took place in a “very cordial atmosphere”.

The Chinese president said his country will continue to support Bangladesh and wants to invest in it more.

Bangladesh and China will celebrate 50 years of their diplomatic relations, and keeping this in mind, Xi expressed interest in taking the “strategic and deep relationship” to the second phase.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned China's phenomenal development in the last few decades as a source of inspiration for developing countries.

Before Sheikh Hasina mentioned the Rohingya issue, XI said: “I know that you have sheltered millions of Rohingyas displaced from Myanmar. This is a burning issue for you. We will do our best to help you to resolve it.”

Regarding the current situation in Myanmar, Xi said they will play an important role in solving this problem by communicating with the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army, if necessary.

The prime minister thanked Xi for China's role in building infrastructure and some iconic structures, especially Padma Bridge, Bangabandhu Tunnel in Bangladesh.

China will continue to support Bangladesh in its development and progress, said the foreign minister.

Sheikh Hasina also emphasized on deepening the relationship between the two countries.

She has emphasized on reducing China's trade deficit with Bangladesh. In this regard, the president of China also said that they will import more products from Bangladesh. Referring to the import of mangoes, he reiterated their interest in importing other products.

The Chinese president emphasized on increasing cultural exchange, people-to-people contact between the two countries.

The prime minister laid emphasis on reducing the trade deficit with China. In this regard, the Chinese president said his country will increase its imports from Bangladesh.

President Xi expressed interest in China's assistance in the production of engineering products.

He also appreciated Bangladesh's position in favour of the One-China policy and thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

President Xi said they do not interfere in the internal affairs of any country and they also do not want anyone else to interfere in one's internal affairs.

Sheikh Hasina said that 800 acres of land have been allocated in Chittagong’s Anwara for the Chinese investors. The Chinese president called for Chinese investors to invest there.

She also called for Chinese investment in 100 economic zones and IT villages, while the Chinese president said that his country wants to invest more in Bangladesh.

The two countries will work together in international forums for world peace and prosperity.

PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser, Salman Fazlur Rahman and PM's Press Secretary, Md Nayeemul Islam Khan, were present at the press briefing.

Source: UNB