FM’s China visit begins amid push for stronger economic cooperation

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has begun a three-day official visit to China today, marking his first trip there since the formation of the BNP government.

During the visit, at the invitation of the Chinese government, Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Officials said the two sides will discuss ways to strengthen relations, particularly in trade and investment.

Bangladesh is expected to seek low-interest funding, extended loan repayment periods, and increased Chinese investment, according to foreign ministry officials.

“There has not been a major Chinese investment in Bangladesh. The Chinese side was slow in taking up new initiatives since the events following the July uprising. Now that there's a new political government, China is revamping its activities,” a foreign ministry official said.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry yesterday said Beijing attaches great importance to its relations with Bangladesh.

Through the visit, China hopes to enhance political mutual trust, deepen exchanges and cooperation across sectors, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the spokesperson said.

Describing bilateral ties, the spokesperson termed China and Bangladesh “friends, close neighbours and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners”.

Since establishing diplomatic relations more than five decades ago, the two countries have maintained friendly ties based on mutual respect, equality, and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the spokesperson added.