Welcome better relations with China

Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China heralds the possibility of significantly improved ties with the world’s second-largest economy.

It is encouraging to hear the Chinese ambassador express hope for a positive outcome on the proposals for collaboration on the Sonadia deep-sea port project, and on exclusive economic zones for Chinese investors. We hope the prime minister’s visit will usher in an era of new mutually beneficial and dynamic economic and political relations.

A number of major projects are on the agenda, such as the deep sea port, the China EPZ, and the proposed Asian Infrastructure Bank. It is expected that five or six agreements between Bangladesh and China will be signed during Hasina’s visit.

China has a growing track record of supporting major projects in Bangladesh, particualry in relation to infrastructure, which is our economy’s most important need. It is important that we nurture and improve our positive relations, as both our peoples and economies can benefit from our countries helping to build bridges between South and East Asia.

Bangladesh has much to gain from expanding and improving upon our friendship with China. They are already our largest trade partner, with an annual trade volume of $9bn and are increasingly looking to boost their investments in Bangladesh.

The economic fate of Bangladesh is inextricably linked to the growth and development of our diplomatic ties with China. Fostering better relations will not only spur on trade and infrastructural improvements, but will also bolster progress on areas of co-operation in science, technology, and economic innovation.