Speakers at a discussion here on Tuesday observed that the close ties between Bangladesh and China would benefit not only the two countries but also help stabilise Saarc and Asian region.Addressing the discussion titled ‘Strategic importance of Bangladesh-China relations’, they also underscored the need for people-to-people contact for further strengthening the relations between the two countries.Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal organised the programme at Cirdap Auditorium in the city. Noting that this is an era of globalisation and regionalisation, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said, ‘We have to maintain regionalisation to survive at this age of globalisation.’ He also said Bangladesh must follow the policy of regionalisation if it wants to stand with head-held high and become an economically strong country. Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang said, ‘Bangladesh will be an ideal destination for Chinese investment. We’re working hard for a closer relation with Bangladesh.’ He noted that the Chinese investment in Special Economic Zone in Chittagong would help reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries, saying the investment will come from the next year which will create job opportunities for Bangladeshis. Mentioning that Bangladesh has a dream to become a middle-income nation by 2021 and golden Bangla by 2041, the Chinese envoy said, ‘Our relation can help us realise our dream.’ Former minister and Awami League leader Muhammad Faruk Khan said all successive governments in Bangladesh maintain good relations with China and the ties are gradually increasing. ‘Bangladesh needs China for its development in one hand, China needs Bangladesh for the expansion of its trade relations on the other,’ he added. Jatiya Party presidium member and former minister GM Quader urged the Chinese ambassador to take initiatives for tariff concession for Bangladeshi products in the Chinese market. ‘I think this initiative would help reduce existing huge trade gap between Bangladesh and China,’ he added. Acting president of Communist Party of Bangladesh Haider Akbar Khan Rono said, ‘Our geographical position is in between India and China. This geographic location is at the same time vulnerable and advantageous for us. It would be advantageous if we take a pragmatic policy in this regard.’
Former ambassador Munshi Foyez Ahmed, among others, spoke at the programme while BSD general secretary Dilip Barua presented the keynote paper.
