PMO delegation's visit to China will heighten bilateral ties: Ismail Zabihullah

Prime Minister's Adviser on Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah on Friday said the most recent visit of the delegation of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to China would help strengthen the mutual relationships between the two countries.

"The latest visit of a delegation from the PMO to China will further strengthen relations between the two countries and create new opportunities for future cooperation," he said.

Zabihullah said this at a pre-departure reception for the delegation from the Prime Minister's Office, organised by the Chinese Embassy on Thursday.

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At the time, he stressed the need to strengthen mutual communication, trust and cooperation to deepen BD-China's existing friendly and strategic relations and make them more people-oriented.

He said, "The visit shall not be confined to formal meetings only, rather the delegation must seek to understand China's development experience through exchanges with Chinese government officials, entrepreneurs, academics and ordinary people."

Underscoring the need to become familiar with Chinese culture, institutions and people, he urged the delegation to try to understand and realise the reasons for China's massive economic and social transformation.

"Bangladesh can learn valuable lessons from China in long-term planning, infrastructure development, industrialisation, use of technology, innovation and the successful implementation of plans," he continued.

The adviser also noted that China's development experience could provide important lessons for Bangladesh as it currently generates nearly one-third of global production.

"Bangladesh is standing at a crucial stage of economic and administrative transformation. The country can benefit from China's experience in diversifying its economy, increasing productivity, developing tech-driven industries and creating employment opportunities for young people," he said.

About the longstanding legacy of BD-China ties, the adviser said, "Friendly relations between Bangladesh and China began during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman andover time, the relationship has expanded and deepened and elevated to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership."

He also highlighted the importance of introducing an e-visa system for Bangladeshi citizens travelling to China, providing arbitration assistance for entrepreneurs from both countries, and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology and human resource development.

Zabihullah expressed hope that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries would bring greater benefits to the peoples in future.

The Chinese ambassador, senior officials of the embassy, members of the delegation from the Prime Minister's Office and concerned officials were present at the reception.