Chinese ambassador Li Jiming on Wednesday said the consolidation of China-Bangladesh partnership serves not only the common interests of the two nations, but also the stability of Asia.
The envoy made the remarks while addressing a reception hosted by him to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of China.
Bangladesh is among the first countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative in South Asia.
The country is not only one of the important partners of China to jointly build BRI, but also one of the first countries to benefit from the initiative.
The Chinese ambassador suggested that China and Bangladesh should work together to make the "Chinese Dream" and "Sonar Bangla Dream" come true.
"We want to be good partners for a shared development, good neighbours that act with utmost sincerity and good brothers who care for each other," he said.
"Let's work jointly to make the Chinese Dream and the Sonar Bangla Dream come true," he added.
The envoy referred to the military cooperation, saying it has deepened in recent years. The good momentum of high-level exchange has been maintained, and the strategic mutual trust has been strengthened comprehensively, he said.
"Our profound and time-tested friendship has been passed on for generations, laying a solid foundation for future development of our friendly relations," the envoy said.
In 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh, and both countries elevated two-way relations to the level of Strategic Partnership of Cooperation, opening a whole new chapter of China-Bangladesh exchange, he added.
He said during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to China, both sides had in-depth exchange of ideas and reached wide consensus.
In 2018, China-Bangladesh trade volume reached US$ 18.7 billion, with China maintaining the position as the largest trading partner of Bangladesh. Chinese direct investment grew by 396 per cent year on year. In May, Dhaka and Beijing completed the letter of exchange on zero-tariff treatment for 97 per cent of Bangladeshi products, which will help expand export, he said.
In 2018, the Chinese side provided nearly 1,000 scholarships to Bangladeshi students, and many training opportunities to Bangladeshi specialists in various fields.
Ambassador Li noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has also found its own path of development that is tailored to its needs, with the highest GDP growth rate and the sharpest development trajectory in the region and even the whole world.
"Between China and Bangladesh, our people are close to each other, our national conditions share similarities, and our development goals are aligned, which gives us plenty of space to work together," he said.
"We are willing to join hands with our Bangladeshi friends to promote traditional friendship, consolidate strategic cooperation and deepen strategic mutual trust."
In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the "Belt and Road" Initiative with visionary insights of the future, and has drawn active responses from all over the world.
"After six years, the BRI has set up new platforms for trade and investment cooperation for countries, opened up new pathways for connectivity, and made significant contribution to the well-being of the people and the prosperity and communication of the world."
He noted China will continue to follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China and carry on with reform and opening-up.
Measures to promote a new round of high-quality opening-up are being implemented, he added.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
