‘China wants to relocate its industries to Bangladesh’
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday sought Chinese government’s’ cooperation in having easy access of Bangladeshi products to its market aimed at reducing the huge trade gap between the two countries.
The Prime Minister sought the Chinese cooperation when she held a meeting with deputy Prime Minister of China Wang Yang at the Kunming International Conference Center in the afternoon.
Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque briefed reporters after the meeting.
Terming China a time-tested friend of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister lauded the progress and development which China achieved in recent years, and said the neighboring countries need the share of the progress.
Stressing the need for regional connectivity among the countries in South Asia and China, Sheikh Hasina underscored the need for implementation of the BCIM-EC initiatives for boosting economic cooperation in the region.
During the meeting, the Chinese vice premier mentioned that the existing trade gap between the two countries could be reduced through bilateral discussions.
Wang Yang highly appreciated Bangladesh’s one China Policy saying his country is very pleased over Bangladesh’s approach in this regard as well as on the stance of Dhaka towards regional connectivity.
He also lauded progress and development which Bangladesh achieved over last couple of years and said, China wants to be a partner in this regard.
Wang Yang told Hasina that China wants to relocate its industries in Bangladesh if proper sites are available for such an initiative.
In reply, the Bangladesh Prime Minister said a special economic and industrial zone will be established in Chittagong for China, and her government would provide necessary lands for the purpose.
In this connection, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh can import part of the gas which China is going to import from neighbouring Myanmar through Kunming and it would be used at the proposed Special economic zone in Bangladesh.
The Vice Premier of China assured Hasina of discussing the matter with the authorities in Beijing and said a positive decision could be taken to this end.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, State Minister on Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam were, among others, present on the occasion.
Later in the evening, the Prime Minister attended the banquet hosted by the governor of the Yunnan province Li Jeheng.
Source: UNB Connect
