Beijing ready to share hydrological info, lower interest rates for Dhaka

Jago News Desk Published: 19 January 2025, 06:16 PM
Beijing ready to share hydrological info, lower interest rates for Dhaka
Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen calls on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. – MoFA Photo

Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka, Yao Wen, has expressed China's readiness to sign an implementation plan for exchanging hydrological information with Bangladesh and is seriously considering lowering interest rates for the country.

Ambassador Yao conveyed this during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Yao reaffirmed China's commitment to standing by Bangladesh as a good friend and neighbour. He assured continued support for the early repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMNs) to Myanmar.

Rohingya repatriation

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain emphasized the importance of creating a roadmap for Rohingya repatriation and urged China to play a stronger, more proactive role in facilitating their return.

Ambassador Yao reiterated China's respect for Bangladesh's sovereignty and territorial integrity and assured continued support for the country's stability, reform efforts, and development initiatives.

Strengthening bilateral ties

Highlighting the robust bilateral relations, the Foreign Affairs Adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh's support for the "One China Principle." He noted that the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties would further deepen the understanding, friendship, and strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Adviser expressed appreciation for the 100% Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) market access granted to Bangladeshi products in China. He hoped this facility would continue until 2029, covering three years after Bangladesh's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

In response, Ambassador Yao announced that along with mangoes, Bangladeshi guava and jackfruit would gain market access in China this year. The Adviser requested China's high-tech, energy-efficient support for improving fruit storage and preservation capacity in Bangladesh.

Expanding cooperation

The Adviser emphasised the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation in various sectors:

Railways: He sought Chinese support to increase the capacity of Bangladesh Railways by adding more passenger coaches.

Healthcare: He proposed setting up a full-fledged tertiary-level Chinese hospital in Purbachal, offering land and logistics for the project. He also requested China to designate at least three to four top-tier hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi nationals seeking advanced medical treatment.

Ambassador Yao assured that China would do everything possible for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people, underscoring the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations.