China pledges to support blue economy

China on Wednesday showed interest to support the maritime and blue economy sector in Bangladesh and proposed forming a working group at the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to handle technical issues.
Visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng came up with the response when Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali sought Chinese government cooperation in setting up of the first ever  'Marine Aquarium' in Bangladesh at the National Oceanographic Research Institute (NORI) in Cox's Bazar.
The Foreign Minister also sought assistance for the capacity building of institutions and human resources in maritime and Blue Economy of the Bay of Bengal to make the optimum use of the maritime resources, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The Chinese Commerce Minister also mentioned that a Chinese company, 'China Aquatic Corporation', would look into Bangladesh's request of setting up of the first-ever marine aquarium in NORI, Cox's Bazar, according to UNB.
During the hour-long talks between the two Ministers at the Foreign Ministry, a host of issues covering the ongoing development activities, Chinese investment in Special Economic Zones and other issues of common concern were discussed.
Bangladesh side reiterated its 'One China' policy which the Chinese side appreciated.
The Foreign Minister touched upon the historical background to the relationship between China and Bangladesh built over several hundred years.
The Chinese Minister echoed by noting that scholars and businessmen who travelled between the two nations were instrumental for the strong bond of friendship and understanding.
Mahmood Ali noted the bonds between the two nations got solidified further with the visits of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China in 1952 and 1957.
In recent times, the bond of friendship has intensified through the landmark visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's to China in June 2014, which elevated the relations to 'Closer Comprehensive Partnership'.
Gao Hucheng appreciated the constructive support his country received from the government of Bangladesh on issues critical to China's interest.
The visiting minister appreciated the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the significant development strides made in socioeconomic development of Bangladesh, especially the phenomenal growth rate of more than six per cent for the last six years.
He expressed his country's desire to continue supporting the government of Sheikh Hasina for its future endeavours for progress and development.