Speakers at an international conference on Friday the importance of fostering deeper socio-cultural and academic collaboration between South Asia and China to strengthen mutual understanding and create opportunities for shared growth.
The two-day conference will feature diverse sessions on socio-cultural interactions, geopolitics, economic growth, media, education, AI, and health, with over 125 participants from academia, policymaking, and international organisations.
The China–South Asia Center for Sociocultural Studies (CSCSS) of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University (NSU), Bangladesh, and Yunnan University, China, jointly organized the event, which began today with an inspiring inauguration ceremony at North South University.
Speaking as the chief guest, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain stressed the deep historical and cultural ties between China and South Asia.
Bangladesh, as a partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), seeks seamless connectivity, particularly through a peaceful and stable Myanmar, said the Adviser.
This would enhance economic growth, reduce poverty, and facilitate cultural exchanges, he said.
While celebrating historical ties, Hossain called for collective action to tackle climate change, geopolitical tensions, and economic disparities.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Friday stressed his country’s readiness to collaborate with Bangladeshi scholars to develop enhanced academic programs and foster intellectual exchange.
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This collaboration, he said, aimed at promoting regional prosperity, represents a shared vision of mutual learning, progress, and civilizational interactions that will strengthen Sino-Bangladeshi academic ties and contribute to a brighter future for the region.
The Ambassador made the remarks while speaking at an international conference titled "China - South Asia: Civilization and Connectivity: History and Contemporary Issues" held at North South University (NSU).
NSU Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury emphasised the collaboration extends to research, cultural exchanges, and joint projects, with numerous Bangladeshi students pursuing advanced studies in China.
Prof Chowdhury highlighted the historical relationship between Yunnan University and North South University, which started with the establishing of the first Confucius Institute in the region at NSU.
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Additionally, he said, partnerships with Chinese companies in sectors such as energy and infrastructure were acknowledged as vital to Bangladesh’s development.
Prof Tawfique Haque highlighted the CSCSS's role as a collaborative initiative between North South University, Bangladesh, and Yunnan University, China, symbolizing a bridge between regions with rich historical, cultural, and economic ties.
Prof Nuruzzaman expressed optimism about the conference’s ability to foster meaningful partnerships and advance a vision of sustainable growth, enhanced communication, and long-term collaboration between China, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries.
Prof He Ming reflected on the long-term focus of such academic gatherings, emphasising their role in addressing complex topics.
Ming highlighted the importance of international collaboration in driving societal and economic development, particularly in the context of shared challenges faced by countries like China, India, and Myanmar.
Han Kun, Deputy Country Manager in Bangladesh of PowerChina International Group Limited and Zhao Shibo, Vice President of the Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh, expressed gratitude to the organizers for hosting this commemorative gathering, recognising it as a vital platform to reflect on the shared history and potential for future collaboration.
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Director of SIPG and CSCSS Prof Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, conference convener Prof Mohammed Nuruzzaman, Prof He Ming from Yunnan University, Han Kun, Deputy Country Manager of PowerChina, and Zhao Shibo, Vice President of the Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh and Coordinator of CSCSS at North South University Dr Harisur Rahman, spoke at the conference.