A 15-week Chinese Language Training Course for the officials of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) was inaugurated on Monday.
The course was launched under a joint initiative of BIDA and the Confucius Institute of North South University.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the BIDA Conference Room in the afternoon, with BIDA Executive Member Mohammad Humayun Kabir presiding over the event.
A documentary highlighting the progress of Bangladesh-China cooperation was also screened.
Speaking at the event, Prof Bulbul Ashraf Siddiqi, Local Director of the Confucius Institute at North South University, said institutional knowledge of the Chinese language and culture would enhance communication with Chinese investors and strengthen bilateral investment cooperation.
Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, described Bangladesh-China relations as long-standing and multi-dimensional, adding that language education would further deepen ties and open new avenues of cooperation.
Prof Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer of North South University, said the Confucius Institute has long been promoting Chinese language and culture in Bangladesh, and noted that the course would contribute significantly to the practical skill development of government officials.
Mohammad Humayun Kabir said trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and China are expanding steadily, and basic proficiency in the Chinese language would add value to investment facilitation and investor communication.
Among others, Third Secretary of the Chinese Embassy Xia Daojing, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute Ma Xiaoyan, and Chinese language teachers Huang Xinran and Li Yuanxi were present.
Following the inauguration, the maiden class of the course began at 4:00 pm at BIDA’s training room.
A total of 38 officials—30 from BIDA, four from BEZA and four from BEPZA—are enrolled in the programme, which will be held every Sunday and Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 5:40 pm.