Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday outlined a forward-looking vision for global peace, emphasising the significant role of economic cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable development and stability.
Hossain made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at a seminar in the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), China.
Hossain underscored the transformative role of China's development assistance and investments in Bangladesh's various sectors which have significantly contributed to the country's socio-economic development.
The seminar titled "Our Shared Vision for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity" reflected on the common vision of Bangladesh and China for a secure and better world. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Chen Dongxiao, president of SIIS, who highlighted the historic and evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his speech, Touhid highlighted the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and China, which dates back to ancient times and the evolution of relationship into a dynamic partnership through different mechanisms including the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI).
Reflecting on global challenges, Foreign Affairs Adviser focuses on peace and security are collective responsibilities that demand inclusive economic frameworks and greater emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups, particularly the youth and women.
Referring to the Rohingya crisis, Adviser Hossain stressed on creating a congenial atmosphere in Rakhine State for return of the Rohingyas.
"Both Bangladesh and China have vital interests in resolution of the conflict, and we must cooperate wholeheartedly in bringing about the resolution," he said.
He also drew attention to the importance of narrowing trade gaps and fostering regional connectivity to promote equitable growth.
Hossain highlighted Bangladesh's successful social initiatives, such as microcredit programmes, pioneered by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh Government, which have empowered rural women and fostered social harmony, and called for similar transformative efforts to uplift the youth.
In order to realize the shared vision, Hossain underscored the need for working towards strengthening multilateral institutions, expanding investments, deepening people to people exchange and championing the global trade system.
The event brought together a distinguished group of participants, including scholars, diplomats, government officials, young researchers, media representatives, senior leadership and experts of SIIS, and officials from the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office.
The programme featured speeches from key participants, including remarks by Dr. Yang Jiemian, Director of the Academic Advisory Board at SIIS, and presentations by six renowned experts.
These experts shared insights on topics ranging from economic globalisation to regional stability, triggering rich discussions during the interactive session that followed.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md. Nazmul Islam and the President of SIIS.
Adviser Hossain also visited a high-tech electric vehicle manufacturing plant in the outskirt of Shanghai where he witnessed the production line of electric vehicles.
The plant produces around 500 EV units a day. He urged the Chinese company to consider establishing such a plant in Bangladesh.
The Acting Mayor of Shanghai also met the foreign adviser.
During the meeting, both of them underscored the need for enhanced business-to-business and people- to-people engagements between Dhaka and Shanghai.
The acting mayor extended an invitation to Bangladesh to participate at the "Shanghai Tourism Festival" to be held this year.
