China to help develop infrastructure, agriculture, education, health sectors

Says Xi Jinping

15 June 2010, 18:00 PM

Unb, Dhaka

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping calls on President Zillur Rahman at Bangabhaban in the city yesterday.Photo: PID

China is ready to extend all cooperation and assistance to Bangladesh, particularly for development of the infrastructure, agriculture, education and health sectors, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said yesterday. “The two countries (Bangladesh and China) are ready to move ahead with concerted efforts,” Jinping said during a meeting with President Zillur Rahman at Bangabhaban. He said although China is a developing country, it is always willing to provide all kinds of cooperation and assistance to Bangladesh. Expressing gratitude for the Bangladesh's support for 'One China Policy' Jinping said both the countries as neighbours attach importance to strengthening of bilateral economic and commercial ties. “We want to gradually enhance our cooperation in trade and commerce and cultural sectors,” he said. Xi described the government's Vision-2021 as a 'Master Plan' for the country and hoped Bangladesh would be turned into a middle income country by 2021. “China is happy over the government's Vision-2021.” He said China is currently emphasising three sectors -- education, science and technology and human resources to keep pace with its trend of development. Xi invited Zillur to visit China at his convenience in the near future. Welcoming the Chinese delegation to Bangabhaban, Zillur said since Bangladesh's independence, China as a friendly country has been giving assistance for development of infrastructures, including construction of bridges across the country. Saying that China would emerge as a giant economic power within a short period of time, Zillur said existing cooperation, particularly in economic, social and cultural fields, would be further deepened between the two countries. He emphasised establishing connectivity between the two countries to reduce the existing trade gap. The President conveyed his greetings to the Chinese President through Vice President Xi. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, secretaries concerned and civil and military high officials were present.