Deep-Sea Port Construction
China reiterates willingness to help
Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jun yesterday reiterated his country's willingness to help construct a deep-sea port in Bangladesh and enhance connectivity with his country while Bangladeshi experts suggested Beijing's engagement in exploration and providing security in the Bay.
“Our government will provide its all supports especially in infrastructure, trade and investment for the benefit of both the countries,†he said.
He was addressing a seminar, “Bangladesh-China cooperation and the security dimension of the Bay of Bengalâ€, organised by Centre for East Asia Foundation in the capital's Cirdap Auditorium.
Li Jun said Beijing was ready to extend cooperation in constructing the deep-sea port and the direct road link through Myanmar to “accelerate economic progress of the regionâ€.
“Bangladesh is an important neighbouring country for China. As both Bangladesh and China are developing countries, there are enormous prospects of the existing ties between the two nations,†he said.
Presenting a keynote, Bangladesh Political Science Association President Prof Dr Ataur Rahman said Bangladesh-China relations had strategically assumed a new level of significance.
This was due to Bangladesh's location in the Bay and the growing importance of the seas for security and development of both countries, he said.
The experts said Bangladesh could be a lucrative investment destination for China, the world's second largest economic power, due to its cheap labour costs and urged both governments to take long-term policy approaches to reduce trade gaps.
Former Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Saleh Uddin Ahmed moderated the seminar. Former adviser to a caretaker government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, former army chief Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman and former ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmed were present.
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