‘Vaccine cooperation’ with Bangladesh will continue: Chinese ambassador

China will continue its "vaccine cooperation" with Bangladesh, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said today.

"A friend in need is a friend indeed. Despite having huge demand of vaccine in China and the international market, Chinese government is trying their best to support Bangladesh government and its people," he said.

He made the remark at a virtual remembrance meeting for Father of hybrid rice Prof Yuan Longping as chief guest, organised by Bangladesh Seed Association (BSA), according to a press release of BSA.

The Chinese Ambassador Jiming said, "1.1 million vaccines have already been given to Bangladesh as a gift to fight the coronavirus pandemic. On June 13, six lakh vaccines arrived in Bangladesh. As a development partner of Bangladesh, this cooperation from China will continue to fight against the virus."

Not just in the case of combatting coronavirus, China will always remain by the side of Bangladesh in any need, informed the ambassador.

Recognised worldwide as the inventor of the hybrid variety of rice, scientist Prof Yuan contributed to the socio-economic development, including poverty alleviation. The 91-year-old scientist Yuan died at a hospital in China's Hunan province on May 22. The meeting was held in his memory.

Presided over by BSA President and former FBCCI President Abdul Awal Mintoo, the event was addressed by Supreme Seed Company Limited Chairman Mohammad Masum, BSA General Secretary FR Malik and Bangladesh Agricultural University's Syndicate Member and Managing Director of ACI Agribusiness Dr FH Ansari, among others.