LGRD minister hails deepening Bangladesh-China ties‎

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister and BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan has described Bangladesh-China relations as entering a new phase, highlighting expanded cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology and culture.

‎Speaking at a reception in Dhaka marking the 77th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China, Moyeen Khan said the recent visit of Bangladesh's prime minister to China had opened “a new chapter” in relations between the two countries.

‎He said the visit, which he described as a milestone in bilateral ties, resulted in substantive discussions and forward-looking proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

‎According to Moyeen Khan, the relationship has evolved considerably since Bangladesh established diplomatic relations with China in the aftermath of the country's Liberation War.

‎He also traced the historical links between the peoples of the two countries to exchanges involving Chinese traveller Xuanzang and Buddhist scholar Atish Dipankar.

‎“Bangladesh regards China as one of our closest allies,” he said, adding that bilateral ties now cover a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, industry and culture.

‎Moyeen Khan also praised China's economic and social transformation, saying he had personally observed the country's development over the past 35 years.

‎He referred to China's development since the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949 as an example of rapid transformation.

‎He said Bangladesh could learn from China's experience in infrastructure development, technological innovation and large-scale digitalisation.

‎At the same time, he said closer government-to-government relations alone would not be sufficient to realise the full potential of bilateral ties.

‎“Government-to-government cooperation may not be enough,” he said, stressing the need to expand people-to-people contact between Bangladesh and China.

‎He called for greater exchanges among political leaders, academics, students, small traders, journalists and professionals, saying such interaction could contribute to deeper mutual understanding and broader cooperation.

‎Moyeen Khan also acknowledged the role of Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen in promoting bilateral relations.

‎He praised the ambassador's efforts in advancing cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, green energy, healthcare and cultural exchanges.

‎Looking ahead, Moyeen Khan said Bangladesh should seek a partnership with China that goes beyond large infrastructure projects and contributes directly to empowering people and strengthening small businesses.

‎He particularly highlighted small traders as potential “ambassadors” of friendship between the two countries.

‎“Drawing on the resilience and the spirit of our people, the Government of Bangladesh looks forward to a next decade of further expansion of our cooperation,” he said, adding that the focus should include not only trade and commerce but also friendship and culture.

‎Concluding his remarks, Moyeen Khan conveyed his wishes for peace, prosperity and well-being for the people of China and Bangladesh, expressing hope that bilateral friendship would continue to contribute to development and stability in the region and beyond.

‎Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen delivered his welcome speech at the beginning of the event.