PM Urged China To Expedite Execution Of BCIM Corridor

"China and Bangladesh by working together with India and Myanmar can make the dream come true," she said in a meeting with Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Yang at Kunming International Convention and Exposition Centre here.

After the meeting, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haq said both the leaders gave strong focus on some important issues.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh has a very time-tested relationship with China. "Now the ties will grow gradually," she said.

She highly praised development of China, saying all counties in the region would benefit from China's progress.

Sheikh Hasina termed the regional connectivity as the most important for regional development. "More connectivity will bring more progress for this region," she said.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, PMO Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, ERD Secretary M Mejbah Uddin, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haq and PM's Press Secretary AKM Shamim Chowdhury were present.

Pointing out the huge trade gap between Bangladesh and China, the Prime Minister said the issue should be addressed. In this regard, she stressed the need for talks at business level to ensure more duty-free access of Bangladeshi goods to Chinese markets.

The Chinese vice-premier assured that they would seriously consider the matter and find out a way through discussion. "China will try to ensure market in the competitive Chinese market."

Wang Yang said his country is focusing on relocation of its industries to other countries as Chinese manpower is getting older and wages costs are increasing day by day.

He said China considers Bangladesh as an ideal place for relocation of its industries.

The Prime Minister showed her interest in importing gas from Chinese gas exploration companies working in Myanmar. "The gas would be beneficial for the Chinese companies to be relocated in Chittagong," she said. The vice-premier assured Sheikh Hasina of discussing the matter at official level and giving a quick response to this end.

Wang Yang expressed satisfaction over Bangladesh's very positive attitude towards China and regional cooperation and connectivity. The Chinese vice-premier expressed China's commitment to working together with Bangladesh for regional progress and connectivity.

He appreciated Bangladesh's gradual progress in all sectors, saying: "We are very happy with the success of Bangladesh and we want to be a partner of these achievements."

Later, the Prime Minister attended a banquet hosted by the governor of Yunnan Province.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)