Bangladesh and China on Friday signed nine instruments, including the agreement on "economic and technical cooperation", between the two governments and other cooperation documents on development, translation and publication of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange and media and health sector.

The two countries signed eight MoUs on translation and production of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange, media, sports and health sectors, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

Besides, five announcements were made on the launching of formal negotiations on investment, the announcement of the commencement of the China Industrial Economic Zone, the signing of a commercial agreement for the modernisation and expansion of Mongla port, the building of a robot physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre, and the donation of a cardiac surgery vehicle, he said.

The two sides spoke positively of the signing of the Implementation Plan of the MoU on Exchange of Hydrological Information of the Yarlung Zanbo-Jamuna River.

Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), according to the joint media statement issued after the bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla Port Facilities Modernization and Expansion Project, and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to further develop the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram.

The two sides underscored the importance to initiate negotiations on the China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement at an early date and officially start negotiations on optimising the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement.

The two sides agreed to realise the early export of high-quality products of Bangladesh to China including fresh mangoes and other agricultural and aquatic produce as soon as possible.

Beijing pledges $2.1 billion in investments, loans, grants for Bangladesh

China welcomed Bangladesh to make full use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo, China-South Asia Expo, and China International Supply Chain Expo to expand cooperation with China. Bangladesh reaffirmed its readiness to create a favorable investment environment for Chinese companies.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, integrated management of water resources, water resources development and related technology sharing.

The two countries agreed to make concerted efforts to tackle climate change and tap the potential for blue economy cooperation. The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges on maritime affairs and hold a new round of Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation at an appropriate time.

They agreed to jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchanges in 2025.

The two sides agreed to deepen exchanges and cooperation on culture, tourism, media, education, health care and youth, and between local governments and think tanks, to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the convenience provided by China for Bangladeshi patients to seek medical treatment in Yunnan Province, and commended the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and appreciates the Global Development Initiative.

Bangladesh also takes note of the importance of the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.

Both sides agreed to strengthen international cooperation, promote unity and self-reliance among the Global South and jointly address global challenges.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, the practice of true multilateralism and greater democracy in international relations.

Both the countries will jointly advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

They also agreed to keep strengthening coordination within the UN and other multilateral mechanisms and jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and uphold international fairness and justice.

Chief Adviser Dr Yunus expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Bangladeshi delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Bangladesh appreciated China's constructive role in promoting peace talks on Myanmar and in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced people from the Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh.

China commended Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance for the displaced people from Rakhine State, and supported Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding among others a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations. China will continue to provide support for the repatriation to the best of its capabilities.

At the invitation of the Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan, China from 26 to 27 March 2025, and then at the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Chief Adviser is visiting Beijing from 27 to 29 March 2025.

Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, met with Chief Adviser Professor Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan Province.

Han Zheng, Vice President of the People's Republic of China also met with Chief Adviser Professor Yunus in Beijing.

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In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached extensive consensus.

Dr Yunus attended the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 and delivered a speech.

The Chinese side welcomed the interim government of Bangladesh led by Professor Muhammad Yunus and noted the reform and progress made by the interim government since August 2024.

The Bangladesh side thanked the Government of the People's Republic of China for welcoming the interim government of Bangladesh and extending necessary support to carry forward bilateral relations.

Both sides reconfirmed equal commitment to nurturing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership with utmost importance.

They also agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh 50 years ago, relations between the two countries have maintained healthy and stable development regardless of changes in the international and regional landscape.

The two sides agreed to hold fast to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust and synergy between development strategies, keep moving forward in the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and deliver greater benefits to the two countries and their peoples.

The two countries reaffirmed their mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns.

China consistently adheres to the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries, respects Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, respects the development path independently chosen by the people of Bangladesh, and supports Bangladesh in exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions.

China has always followed a policy of good neighborliness and friendship toward the people of Bangladesh, and supports the Interim Government of Bangladesh in effectively exercising governance, preserving unity and stability in Bangladesh, and leading Bangladesh onto a path of development and prosperity. 

The two sides stressed that the authority of the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond any question or challenge. Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China principle and its position that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

Bangladesh opposes "Taiwan independence." Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two sides agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen international cooperation on industrial and supply chains and work together to achieve modernisation in both countries.

Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the long-standing and robust support China has been providing for economic and social development in Bangladesh, and spoke highly of the economic and social impact produced by China-Bangladesh cooperation projects of bridges, roads, railways, networks, power grids and sewage treatment.

China will continue to support Bangladesh in improving infrastructure and advancing industrialisation, and encourage Chinese companies to conduct investment cooperation with Bangladesh in such fields as textile and garment, clean energy, digital economy, agriculture and manufacturing in accordance with commercial principles and market-based approaches.

Beijing pledges $2.1 billion for Bangladesh

Bangladesh has secured a commitment of $2.1 billion in Chinese investments, loans and grants from the Chinese government and its companies during the "milestone" visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to China, officials said on Friday.

Bangladeshi officials and Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen said nearly 30 Chinese companies have pledged to invest one billion dollars in the exclusive Chinese Industrial Economic Zone after the chief adviser urged private enterprises to invest in the manufacturing sector in Bangladesh.

China has also planned to lend some $400 million in the Mongla port modernisation project, some $350 million in the development of the China Industrial Economic Zone and another $150 million as technical assistance. The rest of the amount would come as grants and other forms of lending

"It is a milestone visit," Chinese envoy Yao Wen said, referring to the chief adviser's four-day-long first bilateral tour of China.

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Ashik Chowdhury, the executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority and Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority, said the visit could propel a "surge" of Chinese investment to Bangladesh.

During the bilateral meeting, Prof Yunus has requested President Xi Jinping to give his "green signal" to Chinese private companies to invest in Bangladesh.

President Xi affirmed that he would encourage Chinese firms to relocate their manufacturing plants to Bangladesh as they look to diversify their production destination, said Chowdhury.

"This visit will play a big part in persuading many Chinese companies to invest in Bangladesh. It is just a matter of time," he said.

On Friday, Prof Yunus and Ashik Chowdhury briefed officials of more than 100 Chinese companies, including some of the biggest in the world, to invest in manufacturing in Bangladesh, especially in advanced textiles, pharmaceuticals, light engineering and renewables.

They spoke in three interactive sessions in Beijing. "So far, the response is very positive," he said.

Positive Consideration to Interest Rates Reduction

President Xi said China would give a  positive consideration to a host of important issues  raised by Bangladesh as he held bilateral talks with Bangladesh delegation led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

They included reduction of the interest rates on Chinese loans and cooperation on water resources management, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB, describing the talks between President Xi and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as a "hugely successful" bilateral meeting.

Alam said the talks were "comprehensive, fruitful and constructive, marked by warmth".

President Xi reiterated China's support to the Chief Adviser and the interim government, said the Press Secretary.

"It was Prof Yunus's first bilateral foreign tour, and so far, it has been a "grand" success," Alam said.

President Xi said China would encourage Chinese investment to Bangladesh and relocation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises to Bangladesh.

President Xi spoke about his two tours to Bangladesh and said he studied microcredit when he was the governor of Fujian province, Alam said.

The Chinese President also said he tried Bangladeshi mangoes and jackfruit.

"They are delicious. Bangladesh is expected to export the two fruits to China in a big way in the coming months," Alam quoted President Xi as saying.

50-year masterplan for water management

Dr Yunus sought a fifty-year master plan from China to manage the river and water system in Bangladesh, which is crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers.

The chief adviser made the call when Water Resources Minister of China Li Guoying met him at a state guest house on the third day of his four-day visit to the Asian country.

Prof Yunus praised the Chinese water and flood management system, saying the country has done wonders in managing some of the intractable water issues, CA’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

“We have the same problem that you have.  So, we'll be happy if you share your experiences”, the chief adviser told the Chinese minister.

“Bangladesh is a delta country; we have a country crisscrossed with hundreds of rivers. Water gives us life, but sometimes it becomes an enemy. Now that the population has increased manifold, we have to remain careful what kind of damages it causes to the ecosystem,” he added.

Calling China the master of water management, the chief adviser said that Bangladesh has a lot to learn from the country and urged China to share the vision of President Xi Jinping in water management with the country.

“We have come here to learn from you: how we can make water resources useful to people,” he said.

Prof Yunus said that the increase of population and demand for development are people grabbing lands by riversides.

The same demand has increased in upper riparian India, he said, adding that siltation was also causing a problem creating land in the middle of rivers, sinking them sometimes, leading them to death.

The Chinese minister acknowledged that China and Bangladesh share a similar challenge in water management. He promised technical support and expertise to Bangladesh.

Dhaka seeks 50-year masterplan from Beijing for water management

“To manage water is a key management issue for Bangladesh; China is facing similar challenges,” he said, acknowledging that 85 per cent of Bangladesh’s people live in flood-prone plains, which has made water management complicated for the country.

He said that President Xi has put forward a master plan for China which the country was using to overcome the challenges in water management.

“We need your help to design the plan for us,” the chief adviser said.

He added that Bangladesh’s problem lies not just with one river but with the system.

He mentioned the Teesta River system and cleaning the polluted water in rivers surrounding Dhaka for particular help.

The chief adviser is currently on a four-day visit to China, holding meetings with Chinese leaders and investors to boost mutual cooperation with the country.