Foreign adviser to visit China from 20-24 January to address trade gaps, investment
The adviser is scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart during the visit
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will visit China from 20-24 January as his first bilateral trip.
The issue of bilateral trade gap and Chinese investment will be discussed during the visit, Rafiqul Alam, spokesperson of the foreign ministry, said at the weekly briefing at the ministry today (9 January).
"Additionally, progress in ongoing collaborations in areas such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, renewable energy, and a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis will be reviewed to outline the future framework of bilateral relations."
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The spokesperson further said the adviser is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart.
Rafiqul Alam also mentioned that the annual trade volume between Bangladesh and China stands at approximately $25 billion, although it is not favourable to Bangladesh.
"It is expected that discussions will include rebalancing trade dynamics and increasing Chinese investments in various sectors of Bangladesh."
The spokesperson also said following the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, where several students and people were injured, China was the first to send a high-level medical team of 10 experts from the National Health Commission of China. This team visited multiple hospitals, provided medical assistance, and assured support for establishing a specialised hospital and rehabilitation centre for the injured.
"Bangladesh is expected to express interest in advancing these discussions during the visit."
He said the foreign adviser is also anticipated to deliver speeches at the China Institute of International Studies and the Shanghai Institute of International Studies.
Moreover, the adviser will also hold a meeting with business representatives in Shanghai to encourage increased Chinese investment in Bangladesh, he added.
