Rohingya, trade gap, investment to feature in foreign adviser’s Beijing visit

Addressing trade imbalances, attracting Chinese investments in Bangladesh and the Rohingya issue will be on the agenda during Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain's upcoming bilateral visit to China from 20-24 January, according to the foreign ministry's spokesperson. 

"This year marks the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China. The adviser's visit to China is therefore of significant importance," said spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam during a weekly media briefing at the foreign ministry today.

The foreign adviser is likely to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on 21 January. 

Additionally, official sources have indicated that Touhid will also engage with senior officials of the Communist Party of China and is likely to visit Shanghai as part of the trip.

During the bilateral meetings, the spokesperson said, key issues such as agriculture, education, trade, and the progress of the Rohingya issue will be discussed prominently.

Highlighting the economic aspect of the visit, Alam noted that trade between Bangladesh and China currently stands at USD 25 billion, though the balance heavily favours China.

"The adviser's trip aims to address trade imbalances and explore avenues for increased Chinese investment in Bangladesh," he said, adding that the full agenda for the visit is still being finalised.

Alam said the relationship between Bangladesh and China has evolved into a "Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership," reflecting its multifaceted nature. 

"This upcoming visit, as the first bilateral trip by the adviser following the formation of Bangladesh's interim government in August, presents a valuable opportunity to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral ties between the two nations," said the spokesperson.

Bangladesh and China are set to celebrate the golden jubilee of their diplomatic relations in 2025, and both countries have undertaken various programmes for this milestone. 

Alam said that the visit would mark the formal commencement of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

"The visit will also provide an opportunity to outline the future roadmap for Bangladesh-China bilateral relations, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation, expanding trade and investment, and reviewing progress in ongoing collaborations," he added.

In a humanitarian gesture, after Bangladesh's anti-discrimination movement in July, China was the first to dispatch a high-level medical delegation comprising 10 members from the "National Health Commission of China."

The delegation visited hospitals, provided medical assistance, and assured the establishment of a specialised hospital and rehabilitation centre for the advanced treatment of injured students and citizens. 

"Bangladesh is keen to discuss this matter further during the visit," Alam said. 

The Foreign Adviser is also expected to deliver speeches at the "China Institute of International Studies" and the "Shanghai Institute of International Studies" during the visit.

Besides, he will meet business representatives in Shanghai to encourage increased Chinese investments in Bangladesh, Alam said.