President urges increased access to Chinese market
President Abdul Hamid yesterday sought further concession for the access of Bangladeshi products to China and greater Chinese investment in Bangladesh, aiming to address the trade imbalance between the two countries.
The president made the call in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
"We're happy to see some of the remedial and preferential measures are being taken by the Chinese government to address the existing trade imbalance. We look forward to further concession for the access of Bangladesh products, including more jute and jute products, to the Chinese market as discussed during our prime minister's meeting with you this June," he said.
During the 30-minute discussion, the two presidents emphasised further strengthening the economic and other cooperation between the two countries for mutual benefits, Ehsanul Karim, the president's press secretary, told the news agency.
Describing China as a leading country in the field of oceanography and construction and managing parts, the president said, "We look forward to enhanced collaboration of China with Bangladesh in the sectors."
Hamid said Bangladesh would also appreciate Chinese cooperation in the fields of training on UN peacekeeping and peace-building operation, enhancing defence production capability of Bangladesh Armed Forces, Chinese support in strengthening Bangladesh's capacity to address the challenges related to climate change and disaster risk reduction.
He invited Xi to visit Bangladesh anytime next year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China.
Lauding Bangladesh for its economic and social development, the Chinese president gave assurance of continuing its grant and assistance for the development of Bangladesh.
He also appreciated Bangladesh's role in various international and regional forums, and said his country would invite 100 young people from Bangladesh to visit China.
President Abdul Hamid also addressed the "Dialogue on Strengthening Connectivity Partnership", at Fang Hua Hall in Beijing. He said Bangladesh, India, China and Myanmar-Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC) had the potential to open up opportunities for social and economic progress for millions of poor and marginalised communities and ethnicities.
“Physical linkages connect territories and communities," he said.
For China, BCIM-EC will help revive the ancient southern Silk Road, the president said, adding that for other countries, the BCIM-EC connectivity would offer improved livelihood options and create pathways for sustainable development of an impoverished economic landscape.
“Bangladesh would stress that our collective efforts and investments in the development of connectivity should be tailored and routed as such,” he added.
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