A centuries old friendship
Dr. Fakhruddin being greeted at Beijing Capital Airport. Photo: daylife.com
CHIEF Adviser Dr. Fakruddin Ahmed paid a four day official visit to China with a view to further strengthening the existing friendly relations between these two countries and to find new ways and means for cooperation in the fields of politics, trade, economic cooperation, investment, agricultural and education. He held talks with President Hu Junatao, Vice-President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
The discussions underscored the fact that Bangladesh-China relations were "time tested" and "all-weather," and that they symbolised a comprehensive partnership for cooperation. Some new potential areas and possible Chinese support also came up this time. These include the construction of Friendship bridges on Meghna an Meghna-Gomuti, collaboration on nuclear power technology with a view to implementing the Roopur Nuclear Power Plant, and the production of hybrid seeds for expanding agricultural production.
Another important subject discussed was a road link between Bangladesh and China through Myanmar. It was agreed that both sides would take it up with Myanmar. Both sides underscored the need and importance of establishing road communication through Myanmar. It will definitely play a significant role in the field of commerce and communication, for the benefit of all.
The Chinese side doubled the number of scholarships offered to Bangladesh from 50 to 100. In the present global perspective, China is gaining ground and establishing itself as a significant world player, not only in the arena of world power and industry but also in the field of education. China is getting exposed to the world now far better than before. Learning and teaching English has also gained much popularity in China. They started this process in 2005 to hold the 29th Summer Olympic Games. They hosted it very successfully.
Modern China is only six decades old. Its economic growth has been truly astounding. Hundreds of millions of Chinese have been lifted out of poverty. Indeed, Chinese economic growth must be acknowledged as one of history's great achievements in poverty reduction. China is not simply wealthier; it is also far more open place politically than it was during the Mao era. More than 300,000 NGOs work there now. Official statistics show that more than 85,000 public protests occurred in 2005 over issues such as corruption, public health, environment, land use etc. Beijing has 1.1% of the Chinese population and 2.5% of China's GDP.
While Chinese leaders care what the rest of the world thinks of China, they ultimately care more about what 1.3 billion Chinese think of themselves. Their ability to stage a successful Olympic builds a sense of national unity and purpose and shows the Chinese people that their leaders can deliver. China has further consolidated its position in the global field through holding this 29th Summer Olympic. Bangladesh should evaluate China's present status and rearrange her foreign policy accordingly.
Three agreements were signed between Bangladesh and China during the chief adviser's visit. They include economic and technical cooperation, exchange of hydrological information on the Brahmapurtra, and scientific cooperation in the filed of agriculture. the chief adviser addressed gatherings of Chinese business houses and investors, apprising them of the advantages of commerce and investments. Chinese investors were told that a Special Economic Zone would be established for them so that Chinese technology and Bangladeshi workers could form a special economic cooperation. China will provide special preferential treatment for access of some Bangladeshi products to its market to reduce the prevailing trade imbalance between the two countries, and cooperate in implementation of the Roopur nuclear power plant.
It was hoped at the official talks that trade volume between the two countries would reach $5 billion by 2010. China showed interest, saying that top Chinese companies will invest in Bangladesh. China will extend cooperation in setting up North-West Fertiliser Company in Bangladesh. The chief adviser said that Chinese technical know-how and Bangladeshi workers and cheap labour force could make up a "win-win situation for trade and investment for both countries."
Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury rightly said: "I have every confidence that all governments to follow will bear this in mind that close ties with China will be an eternal pillar of Bangladesh's foreign policy. I know the Chinese side also shares these sentiments." China is important for Bangladesh, as Bangladesh is for China. Our leaders and the government coming through public mandate must not forget the truth. They must formulate our foreign policy attaching tremendous importance to Chinese issues.
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