Economy
Bangladesh, China Sign 21 Instruments, Announce 7 Projects to Strengthen Ties on Diverse Fronts
7 projects announced:
- China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement
- China-Bangladesh Bilateral Investment Treaty
- Digital Connectivity project
- Double Pipe Line project
- Rajshahi WASA Surface Water Treatment Plant
- MoU between Shandong Agricultural University and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur.
- Luban Workshop in Bangladesh
Bangladesh and China signed 21 instruments today (10 July), including three renewed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and announced seven additional projects to elevate their relationship from a “strategic partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.”
The instruments were inked in the presence of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Chinese counterpart Li Qiang after the delegation-level talks between the two countries at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing.
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Earlier, the Bangladesh prime minister was accorded a red-carpet reception as she reached the Great Hall of the People to have a bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart Li Qiang.
On her arrival at the premises of the Great Hall of the People, the prime minister was received by the Chinese premier.
The bilateral talks mainly featured Rohingya issue, business, trade and commerce, investments, and bilateral relations alongside various regional and international matters.
After the delegation-level meeting, the Bangladesh prime minister along with her Chinese counterpart witnessed the exchange of the documents.
The instruments on cooperation in the economic and banking sector, trade and investment, digital economy, infrastructure development, assistance in disaster management, construction of 6th and 9th Bangladesh-China friendship bridges, export of agricultural products from Bangladesh and people to people connectivity were signed.
Among the instruments, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Abul Kalam Azad signed a MoU with the China Media Group (CMG) and an Agreement with the Xinhua News Agency.
The signed instruments are:
1. The MoU on Strengthening Investment Cooperation in the Digital Economy.
2. The MoU on Banking and Insurance Regulatory between China National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) and Bangladesh Bank.
3. A Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements Export of Fresh Mangoes from Bangladesh to China.
4. The MoU on Exchange and Cooperation in the field of Economic Development Policy.
5. The MoU on Trade and Investment Cooperation.
6. The MoU on Strengthening Digital Economy Cooperation.
7. Signing of Minutes of Discussions on the Feasibility Study of the China-aid National Emergency Operation Center in Bangladesh Project.
8. Exchange the Letter on the China-aid 6th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Renovation Project.
9. Exchange the Letters on the Feasibility Study of China-aid Construction of Nateshwar Archaeological Site Park in Bangladesh Project.
10. Exchange the Letters on the China-aid 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Project.
11. The MoU on Strengthening the Cooperation in Medical Care and Public Health.
12. The MoU on Strengthening the Infrastructure Cooperation.
13. The MoU on Cooperation on Green and Low-Carbon Development.
14. Renewing the MoU on Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu/ Brahmaputra River in Flood Season by China to Bangladesh.
15. The MoU between National Radio and Television Administration and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Bangladesh.
16. The MoU between the China Media Group (CMG) and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
17. The MoU between the China Media Group (CMG) and BTV.
18. An Agreement between the Xinhua News Agency and BSS.
19. An Agreement between the Xinhua News Agency and BTV.
20. Renewing the MoU between the Ministry of Education of China and the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh.
21. The MoU Regarding Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Infrastructure Development.
7 announced projects are:
1. Announcement of the Conclusion of Joint Feasibility Study on China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement.
2. Announcing the commencement of negotiation on the Optimization of China-Bangladesh Bilateral Investment Treaty.
3. Announcing the completion of the Modernization of Telecommunication Network for Digital Connectivity project.
4. Announcing the completion of trial run of the Single Point Mooring with Double Pipe Line project.
5. Announcing the commencement of Rajshahi WASA Surface Water Treatment Plant.
6. Signing the MoU between Shandong Agricultural University and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur.
7. Announcing the construction of Luban Workshop in Bangladesh.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
