Dhaka and Beijing demand that high-level talks be turned into projects that can be implemented

Recently, Dhaka and Beijing have stressed how crucial it is to turn high-level diplomatic discussions into projects that can be put into action to improve bilateral cooperation. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the two countries hope to collaborate more closely in technology, trade, investment, and infrastructure.

On Sunday, Bangladesh and China shared a commitment to turn recent high-level discussions into projects that can be implemented in a variety of fields, including infrastructure, trade, healthcare, education, and culture.

When Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna to review the outcomes of Yunus' recent visit to China and outline next steps for accelerating cooperation between Bangladesh and China, he stated, "Our top priority now is to move forward with the plans we discussed during the China visit."

Dhaka, Beijing aim for actionable projects.

The chief adviser was quoted by Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir as saying, "We want to make sure the momentum is not lost."

The chief adviser's sentiment was echoed by the Chinese ambassador, who stated, "This is also our top priority." We had one of the highest-level agenda meetings in China, and we do not want to sign agreements for another two to three years; we want to put them into action right away.

The growth of the Mongla and Anwara economic zones was one of the topics that were discussed.

According to Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of BIDA, preparations are being made, and once they are finished, the zones will be given to developers so that they can start putting them into action.

A long-term, 50-year master plan for water management, including work on the Teesta River system, was reaffirmed by both sides.

The Chinese side promised that the process would be finished by June of this year, and the two sides also discussed a plan to acquire four new vessels from China.

Additionally, the Chinese ambassador stated that a 100-member investor delegation headed by China's commerce minister will soon visit Bangladesh to investigate new investment opportunities.

According to BIDA Chairman Ashik, "We will organize a mini-investment summit focused on Chinese investors to strengthen sector-specific collaboration."

The topic of healthcare collaboration dominated the discussion.

As originally proposed during the China visit, the Chinese side reiterated its commitment to building a 1,000-bed hospital in Bangladesh. In addition, they emphasized their ongoing support for the establishment of a specialized burn unit in Chittagong.

The ambassador informed that efforts are being made to expedite medical visas for Bangladeshi patients and that progress is being made toward the launch of a direct flight between Kunming and Chittagong.

The chief adviser proposed the establishment of a Chinese Cultural Centre and Language Institute to enable young Bangladeshis to more closely engage with the Chinese language and culture. The chief adviser emphasized the significance of cultural exchange.

Additionally, the chief adviser proposed expanding jute exports to China and urged increased Chinese investment in the locomotive industry.

In addition to capacity-building workshops and training programs, he suggested establishing locomotive manufacturing and maintenance hubs in Chittagong and Saidpur.

Another area of growth was agricultural trade. This season, Bangladesh will begin shipping mangoes to China, with jackfruit shipping scheduled for the following year.

Yunus declared, "I will send a basket of fresh mangoes to President Xi myself."

Foreign Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taieb, Cabinet Secretary Siraj Uddin Miah, and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed were also in attendance at the meeting.