Chinese, Bangladeshi political, business leaders chart blueprint for future collaboration

DHAKA, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Bangladeshi political and business leaders gathered at a forum on Wednesday to review the achievements of bilateral cooperation across various fields and to chart a blueprint for future collaboration and development between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, along with representatives from the relevant agencies and departments of the Bangladeshi government and leading business figures from both countries, graced the China-Bangladesh Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation Seminar and the Release Ceremony of Industry Reports, which was held by the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB).

The event featured in-depth research reports from eight specialized branches of CEAB, covering power and energy, roads and bridges, Marine and harbor, textile and garments, trade and services, railway and civil aviation, information and communication technology, and water resources and environment.

Speaking at the event, Yao elaborated on the vital role of foreign investors in a country's economic development, while drawing on China's reform and opening-up experience.

He reaffirmed China's confidence in Bangladesh's economic prospects and expressed willingness to work with the Bangladeshi side to continuously deepen industrial and supply chain cooperation, help improve the investment environment, and promote better economic and social development.

CEAB President Han Kun said these reports aim to identify market trends, investment opportunities and challenges, facilitating collaboration between Bangladeshi and Chinese enterprises under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

"By aligning data, recommendations, and future opportunities, we expect the reports serve as a blueprint for deepening China's economic footprint with addressing Bangladesh's development demands," he said.

Bangladeshi officials highly commended the significance of the industry reports released by the Chinese side in supporting Bangladesh's deepening reforms and improving its business environment. They expressed willingness to further strengthen industrial and supply chain cooperation with China for the benefit of both peoples.

To seek stronger trade ties with China, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), said that "We might consider opening up a BIDA office in China so that it would be the first BIDA outpost overseas for the government of Bangladesh."

Delwora Begum, additional secretary of Bangladesh's Ministry of Shipping, said, "We welcome partnership from China, both public and private, in transforming this into a regional benchmark for carbon and sulfur emission reduction."

She said their vision for the maritime sector is grounded in sustainability, technology, and regional connectivity. "We believe that the continued cooperation between Bangladesh and China will serve as a cornerstone for economic growth, peace, and prosperity, not only for our nations but for the broader Indo-Pacific region."

Noting they are currently attaching very much importance to smart infrastructure, sustainable mobility, safety and resilience, training and development, Joint Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division Moksed Ali said "We invite Chinese enterprises to participate more deeply in these next generation infrastructure initiatives, not just as contractors, but as strategic partners in innovation and development."

Shish Haider Chowdhury, secretary of Bangladesh's Information and Communication Technology Division, said a number of projects either are initiated or were successfully completed by China since Bangladesh's independence.

He stressed the need for Chinese support in ensuring Bangladesh's cybersecurity. "If we can successfully raise or reduce the gap, we are a successful partner in the fourth industrial revolution journey."