Dhaka seeks China trade-gap reduction, regional connectivity

Dhaka stresses narrowing wide trade gap between China and Bangladesh and fostering regional connectivity to promote equitable growth through economic cooperation.
Visiting Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain Thursday mooted the proposals, among others, while addressing a seminar as a keynote speaker at a seminar at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), a high-profile official think-tank of China in the country's business heartland.
He also underscored the transformative role of China's development assistances and investments in Bangladesh's various sectors which have significantly contributed to the country's socio-economic development.
The seminar, titled 'Our Shared Vision for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity', reflected on the common vision of Bangladesh and China for a secure and better world, said a spokesperson for the foreign ministry.
In his keynote speeches Mr Touhid highlighted the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and China, which date back to the ancient times, and the evolution of relationship into a dynamic partnership through different mechanisms, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The foreign adviser of the interim government outlined a forward-looking vision for global peace, emphasising the significant role of economic cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable development and stability
Reflecting on global challenges, he noted that peace and security are collective responsibilities that demand inclusive economic frameworks and greater emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups, particularly the youth and women.
Turning to the Rohingya crisis Bangladesh is burdened with and China playing the go-between, Adviser Hossain stressed creating a congenial atmosphere in Myanmar's Rakhine State for return of the cam-dwellers. "Both Bangladesh and China have vital interests in resolution of the conflict, and we must cooperate wholeheartedly in bringing about the resolution," he told the audience.
In order to realise the shared vision, he underscored the need for working towards strengthening multilateral institutions, expanding investments, deepening people-to-people exchanges and championing global trade system.
Mr Touhid highlighted Bangladesh's successful social initiatives, such as microcredit programmes pioneered by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the post-uprising Bangladesh Government, which have empowered rural women and fostered social harmony, and called for similar transformative efforts to uplift the youth.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr Chen Dongxiao, President of SIIS, who highlighted the historic and evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China.
He expressed optimism about the event's contribution to enhancing academic and research collaborations between China and Bangladesh, and the role of the two countries in furthering global peace and stability.
The event brought together a distinguished group of participants, including scholars, diplomats, government officials, young researchers, media representatives, senior leadership and experts of SIIS, and officials from the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office.
The programme featured speeches from key participants, including remarks by Dr Yang Jiemian, Director of the Academic Advisory Board at SIIS, and presentations by six renowned experts. These experts shared insights on topics ranging from economic globalisation to regional stability, triggering rich discussions during the interactive session that followed.
The brainstorming event at the Chinese official think-tank concluded with closing remarks by Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md. Nazmul Islam and the President of SIIS.
Foreign Adviser Hossain also visited a high-tech electric vehicle- manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Shanghai where he witnessed the production line of electric vehicles. The plant produces around 500 EV units a day. He urged the Chinese company to consider establishing such a plant in Bangladesh.
The acting Mayor of Shanghai also met Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain later in the day.
During the meeting, both underscored the need for enhanced business-to-business and people-to-people engagements between Dhaka and Shanghai.
The mayor extended invitation to Bangladesh to participate in Shanghai Tourism Festival to be held this year. Adviser Hossain conveyed Bangladesh's interest in participating in the festival.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain also exchanged views with a delegation from the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce on Wednesday evening. During the discussion, they focused on relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, particularly to the Chinese SEZ in Chattogram, establishing air connectivity between Chattogram and Shanghai, and exchange and collaboration between the two Chambers, the foreign ministry spokesperson added.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com