MM Rahmatullah: Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to Bangladesh as a “trusted partner and friend” as he called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, at her office on Monday.

During the meeting, the State Minister recalled the successful visit of Prime Minister to China and expressed appreciation for China’s continued support for Bangladesh’s development, particularly in infrastructure, human development and capacity building.

Ambassador Yao highlighted the significant progress achieved in Bangladesh-China relations in recent years and reiterated China’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The two sides held discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, with particular focus on economic and development cooperation.

Among the issues discussed were the proposed Bangladesh-China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, the Chinese Economic Zone, development of Mongla Port and the proposed 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur.

They also discussed cooperation in education and human-resource development, people-to-people exchanges, energy, including renewable energy, and women’s empowerment.

The meeting assumes significance as Bangladesh and China continue to explore new areas of economic and development partnership, particularly in infrastructure, trade, energy and human-resource development.

During the meeting, Ambassador Yao Wen invited State Minister Shama Obaed Islam to visit China at a mutually convenient time, leading a delegation of Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs.

The State Minister warmly welcomed the invitation and expressed appreciation for the initiative, which could provide an opportunity to further promote exchanges and cooperation involving women entrepreneurs from the two countries.