Bangladesh and China Discuss Teesta River Management and Enhanced Strategic Cooperation

DHAKA — Bangladesh and China have held high-level discussions to deepen bilateral cooperation, focusing on strategic infrastructure projects, diplomatic dialogue, and regional development initiatives.

The talks took place on Sunday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir met with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. The discussions covered a wide range of mutual interests, including the comprehensive management and restoration of the Teesta River, the expedited launch of foreign minister-level strategic dialogues, and the commencement of state minister-level diplomacy and defense consultations.

During the meeting, Minister Kabir characterized China as a trusted friend and a valuable strategic partner, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to the One-China policy. He expressed satisfaction over the momentum in bilateral relations following Prime Minister Tareque Rahman’s recent official visit to China, noting the progress in elevating the partnership toward a community of shared future.

Ambassador Yao briefed the State Minister on the outcomes of the Prime Minister’s recent visit, including the foundation laying for the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), the signing of commercial agreements for the modernization of Mongla Port, and potential cooperation in establishing an export processing zone at the port. The CEIZ is projected to attract approximately $500 million in investments from 30 Chinese companies, potentially creating jobs for nearly 100,000 local workers.

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The two sides also explored avenues to boost trade, including the initiation of processes to export jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh to China. Furthermore, they discussed the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh economic corridor and the ongoing repatriation efforts regarding the Rohingya crisis.

Ambassador Yao underscored the importance of upcoming high-level exchanges, confirming planned visits to Bangladesh by the vice-chair of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), the minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), and the executive vice-governor of Yunnan Province.

Ambassador Yao concluded the meeting by extending a formal invitation to Minister Kabir to visit China this October to further strengthen the diplomatic ties between the two nations.