Dhaka for narrowing trade gap, boosting connectivity with Beijing

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, currently on an official visit to China, has called for narrowing the trade gap and fostering regional connectivity with China to ensure equitable growth.
Hossain made these remarks during his keynote address at a seminar titled “Our Shared Vision for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity” at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) in Shanghai, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs o Thursday.
In his speech, Hossain presented a forward-looking vision for global peace, emphasizing economic cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable development and stability. He highlighted that peace and security are collective responsibilities requiring inclusive economic frameworks and stronger support for underrepresented groups, especially youth and women.
Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Hossain stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment in Myanmar's Rakhine State to ensure the safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees. “Both Bangladesh and China have vital interests in resolving this conflict, and we must cooperate wholeheartedly to bring about a resolution,” he stated.
Hossain underscored the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and China, dating back to ancient times, and their evolution into a dynamic partnership through mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He praised China's development assistance and investments in various sectors in Bangladesh, which have significantly contributed to the country's socio-economic progress.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s achievements, Hossain cited successful social initiatives, such as microcredit programs pioneered by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, which have empowered rural women and fostered social harmony. He called for similar transformative efforts to uplift the youth.
To achieve a shared vision for peace and prosperity, Hossain emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral institutions, expanding investments, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and championing a robust global trade system.
The seminar began with a welcome address by SIIS President Dr. Chen Dongxiao, who underscored the historic and evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China. Dr. Chen expressed optimism that the event would strengthen academic and research collaborations and further the shared goals of global peace and stability.
The program featured insights from distinguished participants, including scholars, diplomats, government officials, researchers, and media representatives. Notable speeches included remarks by Dr. Yang Jiemian, Director of the Academic Advisory Board at SIIS, along with presentations by six renowned experts on topics ranging from economic globalization to regional stability.
The interactive session that followed prompted rich discussions among the attendees. The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md. Nazmul Islam, who highlighted the importance of strengthening the Bangladesh-China partnership for mutual benefit and global stability.
Source: BSS