Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus’ visit to China would be "very successful, productive and a milestone visit" with some announcements.
"We are working very closely with Bangladesh...we are still discussing," he said when a journalist approached him after his meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to a media report.
Responding to a question, Ambassador Yao said this is something between Bangladesh and China as the two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. About the announcement, he said, "Wait and see. We are still working on it."
Talking to reporters very briefly, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said no agreement will be signed during the visit, but a few MoUs are likely to be signed.
Chief Adviser Dr Yunus' scheduled visit to China from March 26-29 is going to be the “most important visit” by a Bangladesh leader over the last 50 years, as the two countries are eyeing to take the relations to a new height.
“This is going to be the most important visit by a Bangladeshi leader in 50 years,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, quoting Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen who met Dr Yunus on March 16.
Alam said a big focus will be given on relocation of Chinese factories to Bangladesh to make the country a manufacturing hub
"We want to create a revolution in the manufacturing sector," said the press secretary, adding that it helps create more jobs and boost exports from Bangladesh to the global market. He said there will be a series of engagements during the chief adviser's China visit.
Ambassador Yao called on the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna to discuss the upcoming visit to China.
Highlighting the outcomes of the meeting, Alam said the Boao Forum for Asia is called Davos of the East where top leaders of Asia and different countries and chief executive officers (CEOs) of giant global firms participate.
On the sidelines of the forum, he said, the chief adviser is likely to have meetings with CEOs of some companies.
Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold their first-ever bilateral meeting on March 28.
Dhaka and Beijing are eyeing stronger ties, marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.
The chief adviser will attend a programme on March 29 at Peking University and will return to Dhaka at night (same day).
As per the plans, the chief adviser will first attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province.
On March 27, Dr Yunus will participate in the inaugural plenary session of the BFA and Executive Vice President of the State Council will meet the Chief Adviser the same day.
On August 25 last year, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed the Chinese leadership's invitation to Dr Yunus to visit China at his convenience.
“China and Bangladesh are best friends and trustworthy partners. So, whatever change is taking place internationally or domestically in Bangladesh, our policy remains steadfast,” Ambassador Yao said recently, adding that no matter who forms the government China wants to be their partner and their policy is not related to any particular government.
He said they believe their cooperation is for the benefit of all the Bangladeshi people and the people of China as well.
BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun said with the theme "Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future," this year's event will focus on development, foster dialogue, explore innovative formats and value tangible outcomes, all aimed at promoting international development and cooperation.
He said the theme is intended to reinvigorate multilateralism, promote openness and development, jointly respond to global challenges, and carry out the commitments of the UN Summit of the Future while focusing on the development of Asia.
Many heads of international and regional organisations, ministerial-level officials, entrepreneurs of Fortune Global 500, and renowned experts and scholars have already confirmed their participation in the annual conference, Zhang said.
He said the event will focus on four subject areas: building trust and promoting cooperation in a fast-changing world; rebalancing globalisation for inclusive development; accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals for more effective responses to global challenges; and strengthening AI application and governance for innovation-driven development.
MSH
