Reflecting on global challenges, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said peace and security are collective responsibilities that demand inclusive economic frameworks and greater emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups, particularly the youth and women.
Hossain made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at a seminar in the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), China.
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.
Referring to the Rohingya crisis, Adviser Hossain stressed on creating a congenial atmosphere in Rakhine State for return of the Rohingyas.
“Both Bangladesh and China have vital interests in resolution of the conflict, and we must cooperate wholeheartedly in bringing about the resolution," he said.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Chen Dongxiao, president of SIIS, who highlighted the historic and evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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 to furthering global peace and stability.
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In his address, Adviser Hossain outlined a forward-looking vision for global peace, emphasising the significant role of economic cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable development and stability.
He highlighted the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and China, which dates back to ancient times and the evolution of relationship into a dynamic partnership through different mechanisms including the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI).
Hossain 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.
He also drew attention to the importance of narrowing trade gaps and fostering regional connectivity to promote equitable growth.
Hossain highlighted Bangladesh’s successful social initiatives, such as microcredit programmes, pioneered by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh Government, which have empowered rural women and fostered social harmony, and called for similar transformative efforts to uplift the youth.
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In order to realize the shared vision, Hossain underscored the need for working towards strengthening multilateral institutions, expanding investments, deepening people to people exchange and championing global trade system.
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 event concluded with closing remarks by Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md. Nazmul Islam and the President of SIIS.
Adviser Hossain also visited a high-tech electric vehicle manufacturing plant in the outskirt 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.
Acting Mayor of Shanghai also met the foreign adviser.
During the meeting, both of them underscored the need for enhanced business-to-business and people- to-people engagements between Dhaka and Shanghai.
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The acting mayor extended invitation to Bangladesh to participate at the “Shanghai Tourism Festival” to be held this year.
Hossain conveyed Bangladesh’s interest in participating the festival.
The meeting ended with a lunch hosted by the acting mayor in honor of the adviser and his delegation.
Hossain also exchanged views with a delegation from the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce yesterday 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.