Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain held a meeting today with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, at the Diaoyuitai State Guest House in Beijing. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Jan 21, 2025 (BSS) – China has agreed to extend Bangladesh’s loan repayment period, ensure duty-free, quota-free market access for Bangladeshi products for three years post-LDC graduation, and designate hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients’ treatment, bolstering bilateral ties.

Beijing also assured considering Dhaka’s request to reduce interest rate of Chinese loan to Bangladesh. 

The Chinese pledges were made during the bilateral talks held between Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Diaoyuitai State Guest House in Beijing, said a foreign ministry’s press release here. 

On the sideline of the meeting, Bangladesh and China signed an instrument titled ‘Implementation Plan of the MoU on Exchange of Hydrological Information Sharing of the Yaluzangbu-Jamuna River’. 

During the foreign minister level talk, Bangladesh and China reaffirmed their commitment to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ while both sides expressed their vow to deepening collaboration in areas of mutual interest and leveraging opportunities for shared prosperity.

The discussion was covering wide range of topics including development cooperation, trade and investment, infrastructure development, sectoral cooperation, and people to people exchanges. 

Dhaka-Beijing bilateral relations  

Chinese Foreign Minister reaffirmed that China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bangladesh and reiterated continued Chinese support for the stability, reforms, democratic transition, and development initiatives of Bangladesh.

He mentioned that the people of Bangladesh have given important responsibility to Professor Yunus who has dedicated himself in maintaining civility and unity of the country, and his government has done many tangible good things for Bangladesh. 

He mentioned that China places Bangladesh at a very important position in her neighborhood diplomacy and praised the existing warm relations between the two nations. 

Wang Yi also mentioned that China wants to see Bangladesh’s economic development in pace with their own development while Beijing would continue supporting projects conducive to the livelihood of the people of Bangladesh.

Adviser Hossain emphasized that his first bilateral visit to China reflects Bangladesh’s strong intent to engage with China in a robust partnership to give the relationship a new momentum. 

This visit also coincides with the celebration of the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two friendly nations.

He also reiterated Bangladesh’s firm commitment to ‘One China Principle’ and unwavering support for UNGA Resolution 2758.

Loan repayment & interest rate  

Bangladesh foreign adviser requested China to reduce interest rate from 2-3% to 1%, waive commitment fee and extend loan repayment period from 20 years to 30 years for both the Preferential Buyer’s Credit (PBC) loan and Government Concessional Loan (GCL). 

Praising Bangladesh’s good track record in loan repayment, Foreign Minister Yi agreed in principle to extend the loan repayment period and assured to look into the request of the interest rate reduction. 

Medical cooperation

Upon Bangladesh’s request, Foreign Minister Yi conveyed China’s decision to especially designate 3 to 4 recognized hospitals in Kunming for treatment of Bangladeshi patients. 

He also welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal of establishing a specialized tertiary level Chinese hospital in Dhaka as a gesture of goodwill on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.

Development cooperation

Recognizing Bangladesh’s strategic position, two sides emphasized continued cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also requested Bangladesh to consider joining President Xi’s three global initiatives namely GDI, GSI and GCI. 

In response, Bangladesh conveyed their intention to examine the proposals and to remain engaged with China in deliberations on the issues. 

The Chinese Foreign Minister also gave positive responses to consider Bangladesh’s requests for financial, technical and capacity building cooperation and support in sectors such as education, railway, agriculture, water resource management, livestock, fisheries, ship breaking, sustainable and renewable energy, and blue economy.

They expressed their willingness to work closely on proposed Chinese funded projects namely Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant, Upgradation and Modernization of Mongla Port, Establishing Digital Connectivity and 4G Expansion. 

Rohingya crisis 

Both leaders discussed the Rohingya crisis and reaffirmed their shared commitment to work on a roadmap to finding a durable solution to the issue. 

Wang reassured China’s continued engagement with Myanmar to address the situation and promote regional stability.
       
During the meeting, both sides conveyed their readiness to organize host of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China in a grand manner. 

Hossain extended invitation to his Chinese counterpart Wang to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. 

Chinese Foreign Minister hosted a lunch in honor of the Foreign Adviser and his delegation.
       
Meeting with Chinese Communist Party  

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain had a meeting with the Minister of International Department of Chinese Communist Party. 

During the meeting, they discussed about Chinese funded development projects in Bangladesh. 

They also talked about the reform initiatives of the interim government in Bangladesh. The Chinese Minister reaffirmed China’s continued support for the interim government and peaceful transition to democracy through a free, fair and participatory election.

Meeting with CIDCA

Hossain also held a meeting with the Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) this afternoon. 

They had elaborate discussion on the China funded projects in Bangladesh. 

In request of reduction of loan interest and repayment period, the CIDCA Chairman said that they have already extended maturity period and they will consider further reduction of interest rate. 

The Foreign Affairs Adviser also requested to increase the amount of concessional loans and grants, and number of projects. 

CIDCA Chairman responded positively and requested Bangladesh to provide a list of priority projects. 

Both sides also discussed financing of projects in metro rail and Southern Infrastructure Development Initiative (SIDI) in Bangladesh. 

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain arrived in Beijing yesterday as he is paying an official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister. 

Senior officials from the Ministries of Commerce, Water Resources and the Economic Relations Division are accompanying the Foreign Adviser.