China's commitment to Bangladesh remains unchanged: Envoy

Chinese Ambassador here Yao Wen has said Beijing's commitment on its engagement with Bangladesh will remain untouched amid any changes inside the country.   

"No matter what changes have taken place inside Bangladesh, China's commitment to develop our bilateral relations remains unchanged," he said while hosting a reception at a city hotel on Wednesday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of China.

He said China sincerely hoped that under the leadership of the interim government, Bangladesh will carry out state reform, maintain political stability, advance economic development and improve people's livelihood.

"We believe no one but the Bangladeshi people have the rights to choose their path of development," he said.

The envoy said Bangladesh-China bilateral relations are based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, with full respect to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bangladesh.

Commerce and Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed joined the reception as the chief guest.

BNP's senior leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami attend the reception among other dignitaries as Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin was also present.

The Chinese ambassador said a nation will prosper only when it's young people thrive. "Young people are the most energetic and full of dreams. Youths are the hope and will be the leaders of the future," he added.

He said youths are living in a remarkable time, and enjoying a promising prospect to fulfill their dreams.

"I expect the young people to devote themselves to China-Bangladesh cooperation, passing the torch of friendship from generation to generation," he said.

To support the development of Bangladesh, the ambassador said China would unilaterally open its market and decides to grant zero-tariff treatment on 100% of taxable items to Bangladesh.

It means China will substantially increase import of cereals, sugar, edible oil, rubber and rubber products, wood products, jute and jute products, paper and paper products, wool and cotton from Bangladesh from December 1 next, he said, adding: "China will also import Bangladeshi fresh Mangos".

To combat the flood, Wen said China is about to provide rescue facilities and equipment to Bangladesh.

During the last one and a half month since the establishment of the interim government, the Chinese enterprises have invested more than 85 millions US dollars, demonstrating the confidence China holds for the future development of Bangladesh and its relations.

Besides, he said China has sent the National Emergency Medical Team to provide assistance in treatment of those injured in the recent uprising.

Noting that the next year will be "China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges", the ambassador said the embassy will come up with dozens of functions in the sectors of political exchanges, economic and trade cooperation, culture, education, tourism, sports, public health, youth, women, media and academic interactions.

"All the celebrations aim at improving the friendly relations between us, delivering more benefits to the peoples of both countries, especially the young people," he said, referring that the next year will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh.

"China is looking forward to working closely with Bangladesh to cement our traditional friendship, deepen friendly exchanges and mutually-beneficial cooperation in various areas," said the ambassador.

The event featured cultural performances by artists from China, including the Yunnan Overseas Culture and Education Center, along with exhibitions showcasing Chinese culture and various companies.