United News of Bangladesh

A big business delegation from China will  be visiting Bangladesh soon that manifests strong economic ties between the two countries, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has said. The 100-member Chinese business delegation will be led by the Commerce Minister of China. Expressing satisfaction at the ease of visa, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin  underlined that the affordable airfare on Dhaka- Kunming flights would further encourage Bangladeshi patients to receive treatment in China. Bangladesh thanked the government of China for offering special medical treatment facilities for Bangladeshi patients in Kunming. Bangladesh also requested the Chinese government to increase scholarships to Bangladeshi students by Chinese Universities. The issues were discussed when Director General of the Bureau of Southeast and South Asian Affairs, International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Peng Xiubin met the Foreign Secretary at his office this week. Rohingya issue was also discussed at the meeting, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s firm support to one-China principle and expressed satisfaction on the successful visits of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain to China and having fruitful interactions with their counterparts, which have enhanced cooperation in a number of areas including trade, investment, health and educational sectors. The Director General appreciated the warm and friendly attitude of the people of Bangladesh towards China and said that China and the Communist Party of China will be with the people of Bangladesh to fulfill their dreams and expectations in pursuit of economic development and growth. Prof Yunus seeks Dhaka-Baku direct flight to boost economic ties with Azerbaijan Referring to the recent successful visit of the Chief Adviser to China and having fruitful discussion with President Xi Jinping, the Director General said that Bangladesh is an important partner and trusted friend.  He said that China will work to strengthen bilateral trade, continue to support the infrastructural development and enhance cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Peng Xiubin reiterated China’s strong support to Bangladesh as a close-door neighbor and development partner as part of its neighborhood diplomacy. He added that the contact between the political parties of two countries is an important pillar of Bangladesh-China relationship and the CPC looks forward to expanding these exchanges to think tanks and academia. The Foreign Secretary thanked the Chinese government for its continued support in this regard and thanked the Director General of IDCPC for visiting Bangladesh.

Visiting Governor of the Yunnan Province Wang Yubo on Sunday proposed three suggestions for strengthening ties between Bangladesh and China, noting that President Xi Jinping has been attentive to the development of Yunnan Province and has given a series of important instructions on its development direction and priorities.  “We firmly believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, the path of friendly cooperation between Yunnan and Bangladesh will grow ever wider, making even greater contributions to the building of high-quality Belt and Road,” he said, warmly inviting their friends from Bangladesh to visit Yunnan, where they can experience "Yunnan: a many-splendored life " and share "opportunities called Yunnan." Yubo was speaking at the launching ceremony of Yunnan Provincial Education and Medical Exhibition at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium, Dhaka University. Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum attended the event as the chief guest. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and DU Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan, among others, spoke at the event. Regarding his three suggestions, the Governor said, first, join hands to advance the modernisation of education. “Second, join hands to promote the building of a shared community for health and wellness. Thirdly, let us join hands to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in tourism,” he said. Governor Yubu said Yunnan has more than 90 universities, offering 15 languages programmes that cover languages of countries in South and Southeast Asia with which China has established diplomatic relations, and it is one of the key overseas study destinations for South Asian students. Bangladesh has the rich experience in higher education, vocational education and well-known institutions like the University of Dhaka, he said. “We warmly welcome more Bangladeshi students to study in Yunnan and encourage more teachers to engage in academic exchange here,” said the Governor. Mexican candidate for UNESCO meets Prof Yunus, lauds Bangladesh’s inclusive dev Yunnan, in collaboration with China's top hospitals, has established national regional medical centers specialising in cardiovascular, oncology, respiratory and other fields, he said. “We look forward to deepening cooperation in areas such as disease prevention, maternal and child healthcare, elderly healthcare, as well as advancing public welfare projects,” he said. In 2024, the province welcomed 700 million visitors, with domestic travelers accounting for over 50% and over 6 million inbound tourists visiting Yunnan. Nearly 4 million tourists stayed in Yunnan for more than 15 days. He said Yunnan will actively optimise visa and customs procedures, enhance transportation and payment conveniences, and improve comprehensive inbound tourism services, ensuring that Bangladeshi tourists find their trips easy, comfortable and delightful. Ambassador Yao said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus visited China and reached a broad consensus with President Xi Jinping. “It sends a strong political signal that our mutual support is firm and unshakable,” he said, adding that it also marks that the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership has now stepped onto a new and higher level. “At the new stage, we will do our utmost to deliver on the results of the visit,” the Ambassador said, adding that Governor Wang’s visit—the first high-level exchange since the Chief Adviser’s visit—demonstrates China’s commitment to actions. He said they will take this as an opportunity, continue to enhance our political mutual trust and further consolidate personnel and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries. At the new stage, the Ambassador said, they will continue to uphold the people-centered approach in our cooperation, tapping growth potential and forging new highlights. Education and public health are important for the country's development and people's happiness, he said, adding that they are also their cooperation priorities in the next steps.

Bangladesh and China on Sunday expressed a shared commitment to transforming recent high-level discussions into actionable projects across a range of sectors, including infrastructure, trade, healthcare, education and culture. “Our top priority now is to move forward with the plans we discussed during the China visit,” Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus when Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met at the State Guest House Jamuna to review the outcomes of his (Dr Yunus) recent visit to China and outline next steps for accelerating Bangladesh-China cooperation. “We want to make sure the momentum is not lost,” Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir quoted the Chief Adviser as saying. The Chinese Ambassador echoed the Chief Adviser’s sentiment, saying, “This is also our top priority. We had one of the highest-level agenda meetings in China, and we do not want to wait another two to three years just to sign agreements—we want to implement them quickly.” One of the topics discussed was the development of the Mongla and Anowara economic zones. BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun informed that preparations are underway and, once completed, the zones will be handed over to developers to begin implementation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to launching a long-term, 50-year master plan on water management, including work on the Teesta River system. French Ambassador Masdupuy welcomes Rani Yan to Embassy The two sides also discussed a plan to procure four new vessels from China, with the Chinese side assuring that the process would be completed by June this year. The Chinese Ambassador also said that China’s Commerce Minister will visit Bangladesh soon, accompanied by a 100-member delegation of investors aiming to explore new investment opportunities. “We will organise a mini investment summit focused on Chinese investors to strengthen sector-specific collaboration,” said BIDA Chairman Ashik. Healthcare cooperation featured prominently in the discussion. The Chinese side reaffirmed their commitment to building a 1,000-bed hospital in Bangladesh, as initially proposed during the China visit. They also highlighted ongoing support in establishing a specialised burn unit in Chittagong. The Chinese Ambassador informed that progress is being made to launch a direct Kunming–Chittagong flight, and efforts are underway to expedite medical visas for Bangladeshi patients. The Chief Adviser stressed the importance of cultural exchange, proposing the establishment of a Chinese Cultural Centre and Language Institute to allow young Bangladeshis to engage more closely with Chinese language and culture. The Chief Adviser also raised the possibility of expanding jute exports to China and urged greater Chinese investment in the locomotive sector. He proposed setting up locomotive manufacturing and maintenance hubs in both Chattogram and Syedpur, alongside capacity-building workshops and training programmes. Agricultural trade was another area of progress. Bangladesh will begin exporting mangoes to China this season, with jackfruit exports scheduled for next year. “I’ll send a basket of fresh mangoes to President Xi myself,” said Chief Adviser Dr Yunus. The meeting was also attended by Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalliur Rahman, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Special Assistant Faiz Taieb, Cabinet Secretary SiraZ Uuddin Miah and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to return home tonight (Saturday night) as he wrapped up his four-day official visit to China which is described as "milestone" and hugely successful" visit. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:40pm. Hong Lei, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also the Chief Protocol Officer of the Chinese President Xi Jinping, saw him off the Beijing Capital International Airport at the conclusion of his "historic" visit, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. At the invitation of the Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, Dr Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan, China from March 26 to 27, and then at the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Chief Adviser is visiting Beijing from March 27 to 29. Chinese President Xi Jinping had a bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus on Friday. Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang met Dr Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan Province. Vice President of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng also met the Chief Adviser in Beijing. Interview: Bangladesh-China relations to enter new stage, says Bangladeshi interim gov't chief adviser Yunus 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 during the visit. On Saturday morning, Dr Yunus was conferred upon an honorary doctorate by Peking University (PKU) in a ceremony held at the university's conference. After receiving the honorary doctorate, the Chief Adviser delivered a speech to the audience. He was received by President of the University, Chairman of the Council and a small group of Bangladeshi students studying at Peking University. The Chief Adviser had a brief meeting with the University leadership.

China Eastern Airlines has planned to operate flights from Bangladesh's port city of Chattogram to Kunming to help people from the country's east to take treatment in hospitals in the southern Chinese city, officials said Saturday. China has dedicated four Kunming hospitals for the treatment of patients from Bangladesh, but the high air ticket cost is seen as a major impediment to travel to the Chinese city. Officials said the planned flights between Kunming and Chattogram will bring down travel costs and time, paving the way for more Bangladeshis accessing healthcare facilities in China. Md Nazmul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to China, said the authorities in Kunming have dedicated hospital floors for Bangladesh people. "The treatment fees are modest. A patient from Bangladesh pays the same fees as paid by local Chinese people," Ambassador Islam said. To expedite travel to Kunming, the civil aviation authorities in Dhaka have also moved to cut the air ticket cost for flights between Dhaka and Kunming. Chinese authorities have said they would open up more healthcare facilities in the country for the Bangladeshi people. Indian Army Chief, High Commissioner Verma discuss geostrategic issues In April, Bangladesh would also send a big team of journalists to Kunming to see for themselves the treatment facilities there. Last month, dozens of Bangladeshis travelled to Kunming for the first time for treatment. They spoke highly of the standard of hospitals there but several have complained of travel costs.

Describing Bangladesh as an important neighbour of China, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday offered to share Beijing's development experiences and boost cooperation with Bangladesh to help it grow fast. Bangladesh and China decided to elevate their relations to a new height after a "historic" bilateral meeting between President Xi and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Bestowing a rare honour to the Bangladesh leader, President Xi came out from his office to greet Professor Yunus as he arrived at the Great Hall, accompanied by two advisers, Azad said. The meeting, held at the Chinese capital's Great Hall of the People on Friday, discussed issues of mutual interest, with President Xi Jinping reiterating China's full support for the Chief Adviser and the reform agenda of the interim government. Later, the two leaders led their respective sides in a bilateral meeting, marked by warmth and candour. It was the first bilateral visit by the Chief Adviser to a foreign country. The Chinese President said China would continue to grant zero-tariff facilities to Bangladeshi goods and extend the status until the end of 2028 – two years after Bangladesh's scheduled graduation from a least developed country. He said Beijing would like to start negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and Investment Agreement with Dhaka to pave the way for more Chinese investment in the South Asian nation. Beijing pledges $2.1 billion in investments, loans, grants for Bangladesh President Xi said his government would encourage more Chinese private investment and relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh after the Chief Adviser sought his active support for this major shift in Chinese investment policy. The Chinese President said China would support building an exclusive Chinese industrial economic zone and industrial parks in Bangladesh. He welcomed more Bangladeshi products to China and "high-quality" cooperation in BRI projects, as well as the digital and maritime economy. The Chinese President welcomed more Bangladeshis to seek treatment in hospitals in Yunnan and other provinces of China. China has also announced it would build a specialised hospital in Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh wants to elevate its relationship with China to a new height. He also sought Chinese support in resolving the Rohingya crisis. President Xi reiterated China's support for the repatriation of the forcibly displaced people of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh. Dr Yunus sought China's support for young people's dreams to create a new Bangladesh and invited Beijing to set up a China cultural centre in Bangladesh. He also sought a cut in interest rates for Chinese project loans and a waiver of the commitment fees charged on the borrowing. President Xi recalled his two visits to Bangladesh and said he studied microcredit, pioneered by Professor Yunus, when he was the governor of Fujian province. He said China would give a positive consideration to the issues raised by the Chief Adviser. He said he tasted Bangladeshi mango and jackfruit and appreciated their quality, as China is poised to import the fruits from the country. The two leaders also discussed China's support for the Teesta River project, the purchase of multiple-role combat aircraft and multimodal transport connectivity linking the southern Chinese city of Kunming with Bangladeshi ports. Dhaka, Beijing sign 8 MoUs, 1 deal on economic, technical cooperation "Today, we witnessed history in the making. This is a transformational visit, and the two leaders have laid a solid foundation for intensified strategic ties, which will last through decades," said Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative of Chief Adviser, who is on the Bangladesh delegation to China. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, Chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission Zheng Shanjie, and vice foreign minister Sun Weidong were among senior Chinese officials who were present at the meeting. Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative of the Chief Adviser, Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed also joined the meeting from the Bangladesh side.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday 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. Dhaka, Beijing sign 8 MoUs, 1 deal on economic, technical cooperation 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. “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.

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. No meet with Yunus features in Modi's BIMSTEC schedule in Bangkok 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.

China and Bangladesh on Thursday agreed to deepen their relationship with full support from Beijing to the interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. "President Xi Jinping attaches tremendous importance to your visit," Chinese Executive Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang told Dr Yunus, adding that China hopes Bangladesh would prosper and grow under his leadership. President Xi and Dr Yunus are scheduled to hold bilateral talks at Great Hall of China in the Chinese capital city on Friday. The executive vice-premier said his country would fund modernisation efforts of the Mongla Port and the Dasherkandi Sewage project. The two countries also agreed to boost investment, trade and cultural ties, people to people exchanges as they mark 50 years since the establishment of their diplomatic relationships. The Chinese vice-premier met Dr Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in the coastal Chinese town and the two leaders also led a bilateral meeting between the two nations. During the meeting, the chief adviser reiterated the country's firm commitment to the One-China policy and said Dhaka takes pride in being the first South Asian country to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Dhaka sought Chinese support in an array of developments and livelihood projects and also called for reduction of interest rates for Chinese loans from 3% to 1-2 % to Bangladesh. It also sought a waiver of commitment fees on the Chinese-funded projects in Bangladesh. Dr Yunus seeks FAO support to export fruits, farm products to China in large volume The chief adviser also sought Beijing's help in facilitating the relocation of the Chinese manufacturing industries, including ready-made garments, electric vehicles, light machinery, high-tech electronics, chip manufacturing and the solar panel industry. Vice-Premier Ding said Beijing will extend duty-free and quota-free access to Bangladeshi goods to China until 2028 – two years after Dhaka graduates from a Least Developed Country to a middle-income economy. Beijing is also keen to start free trade negotiations with Dhaka, he said. The vice premier said China last year signed a protocol to import mango from Bangladesh. Officials said Bangladesh's mango export to China would begin this summer. Beijing would also import jackfruit and guava and other aquatic products from the country in Its attempt  at minimising huge trade imbalance, he said. He said the Chinese government and its universities would grant more scholarships to Bangladeshi students.   Several thousand Bangladeshi students are already studying in Chinese universities. The vice premier assured Chinese funding for the purchase of four ocean-going vessels for Dhaka's state-run Bangladesh Shipping Corporation. He said Beijing would foster dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar in an effort to resolve the Rohingya crisis. The chief adviser thanked the Chinese leadership for their support, saying Thursday's meeting "marks another milestone in the ever-deepening Bangladesh-China partnership". "Let us resolve to work together to usher in a new era of friendship, cooperation and collaboration, reinforcing the strategic ties between our two nations," he said. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy, Rail and Road Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to the Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman and BiDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik were present during the meeting.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday left for China on four-day official visit through which Dr Yunus thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened. A special China Southern flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1pm. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen had a brief meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the airport before his (CA) departure. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are accompanying the Chief Adviser. Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam and Vice Governor of Hainan Province will receive the Chief Adviser upon his arrival at Qionghai Bo'ao International Airport at around 7pm, a senior official told UNB. "I will meet with President Xi Jinping. I will also meet with CEOs of major Chinese businesses," Dr Yunus said ahead of the visit. The bilateral meeting will be held at the Great Hall of China on March 28. Addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, Dr Yunus said the world's largest Chinese solar panel manufacturer Longji has expressed interest in setting up a factory in Bangladesh. "We are working with them. In addition, technical assistance, medical assistance, low-cost treatment and other issues will be discussed," he said, adding that they (China) want to import mangoes, jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh. "This will start very soon." Bangladesh and China are set to sign several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare to hold a bilateral meeting in Beijing on March 28. The bilateral cooperation documents are likely to be signed in the areas of human resource development, economic and technical assistance, cultural and sports cooperation and cooperation between the media. Besides, announcements related to economy, investment and economic zones are likely to be made, said Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. The two leaders will discuss various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment promotion, cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, among other matters of mutual interest between the two countries, said the Foreign Secretary. The Foreign Secretary said China is Bangladesh's best friend, closest neighbor, strategic partner and one of the largest commercial and development partners. Bangladesh and China enjoy excellent diplomatic relations, which are deepening, he said, adding that this year the two countries have undertaken programs to celebrate the 50 years of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. The Foreign Secretary said the visit would add a new dimension in Dhaka-Beijing relations with further momentum. The Chief Adviser will attend roundtable discussions on Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment; Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities; Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus’ visit to China would be "very successful, productive and a milestone visit" with some announcements. Dr Yunus' scheduled visit to China from March 26-29 is going to be the “most important visit” by a Bangladesh leader over the last 50 years, as the two countries are eyeing to take the relations to a new height. “This is going to be the most important visit by a Bangladeshi leader in 50 years,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, quoting Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen who met Dr Yunus on March 16. Alam said a big focus will be given on relocation of Chinese factories to Bangladesh to make the country a manufacturing hub. Committed to advancing partnership with Bangladesh for peace, prosperity: Modi tells Dr Yunus "We want to create a revolution in the manufacturing sector," said the press secretary, adding that it helps create more jobs and boost exports from Bangladesh to the global market. He said there will be a series of engagements during the chief adviser's China visit. On the sidelines of the forum, Alam said, the chief adviser is likely to have meetings with CEOs of some companies. Dhaka and Beijing are eyeing stronger ties, marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations. The chief adviser will attend a programme on March 29 at Peking University and will return to Dhaka at night (same day). As per the plans, the chief adviser will first attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province.