Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated his country’s unwavering commitment to stand by Bangladesh, offering support across various realms, including facilitating Bangladesh’s entrance into BRICS and assisting in finding a lasting resolution to the Rohingya crisis.
During bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, President Xi conveyed his steadfast support to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen quoted Xi as expressing his readiness to back Bangladesh’s membership in BRICS, underscoring the potential for collaboration.
Furthermore, President Xi emphasized the importance of ensuring a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis. He reassured that China is dedicated to assisting Bangladesh in resolving this humanitarian challenge, acknowledging the imperative of regional stability.
Following their meeting at the Hilton Sandton Hotel, Foreign Minister Momen stated that President Xi proposed a tripartite engagement involving China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar to address the Rohingya issue. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized her government’s intent to repatriate the displaced Rohingyas to their homeland, highlighting concerns about their involvement in illicit activities, such as drug and arms trading, which pose a threat to regional peace.
In response, President Xi pledged continuous support in resolving the Rohingya crisis and expressed China’s eagerness to contribute to Bangladesh’s energy, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. He also extended a commitment to aid Bangladesh in realizing its vision of becoming a prosperous and developed “Sonar Bangla.”
President Xi affirmed, “China will assist you in materializing your dream of building a developed and prosperous ‘Sonar Bangla’ as swiftly as possible.”
Notably, Bangladesh sought President Xi’s assistance in expediting the implementation of Chinese-funded projects that are facing financial obstacles. President Xi assured a thorough review of the situation.
Addressing the trade imbalance between Bangladesh and China, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed the need to narrow the gap. She highlighted the substantial trade deficit, with Bangladesh importing Chinese goods worth about 20 billion US dollars annually, while China’s imports from Bangladesh total only 700 million US dollars. President Xi acknowledged the concern and expressed willingness to initiate measures to rectify this trade disparity.
President Xi underscored that China has already granted duty-free and quota-free access to 98 percent of Bangladeshi products in the Chinese market. He asserted that by fostering Chinese investments in Bangladesh, the trade gap can be mitigated.
Discussions also centered on the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized its significance, and President Xi assured proactive steps to expedite its signing.
During the bilateral meeting, Bangladesh expressed interest in exporting fresh fruits, vegetables, cattle, poultry feeds, and other goods to China. President Xi committed to considering this matter attentively.
In a reciprocal gesture, President Xi invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China, while also extending an invitation for her to witness the opening of the Padma Rail Bridge in Bangladesh in October. Both leaders agreed to coordinate the details of the visits.
As Bangladesh participates in the BRICS summit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to deliver a speech on behalf of Bangladesh as a member of the “New Development Bank of BRICS.”
The bilateral engagement between Bangladesh and China underscores the strong ties and mutual interests that guide their collaborative efforts.
