Bangladesh and China are poised to solidify their bilateral relations further as Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and President Xi Jinping hold a high-level meeting in Beijing today (Friday). The discussions are expected to culminate in the signing of several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening cooperation across various sectors.
The meeting agenda includes proposals for the establishment of a Chinese Economic Zone in the Anwara upazila of Chattogram, initiating negotiations for a Bangladesh-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and signing a Bangladesh-China Investment Treaty. According to Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, announcements related to the economy, investments, and economic zones are likely to follow.
On Friday, Dr Yunus will visit the Great Hall of China, where he will be welcomed with a static guard of honour, reflecting the mutual respect between the two nations. Areas of cooperation expected to be formalised include human resource development, economic and technical assistance, cultural and sports collaboration, and enhanced media relations.
Describing China as Bangladesh's "best friend, closest neighbour, strategic partner, and one of the largest commercial and development partners," Dr Yunus expressed optimism about the visit strengthening ties further. His four-day visit, following his participation in the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, underscores the importance of the Bangladesh-China partnership in the current geopolitical landscape.
Dr Yunus was warmly received in Beijing by Vice Minister Sun Weidong and greeted by children with flowers, symbolising goodwill and friendship. The Chief Adviser is accompanied by high-ranking officials, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Adviser on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, and Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed.
China has expressed interest in Bangladesh's participation in the Global Development Initiative (GDI), a Beijing-sponsored forum, and reaffirmed its expectations for Dhaka's continued support for the "One China" policy. While Bangladesh prioritises investment and financial discussions, the Chinese side seeks closer alignment on political matters, according to a senior Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry official.
Discussions are also expected to explore attracting Chinese investment in Bangladesh's renewable energy sector and assessing Bangladesh's aspirations to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed that while MoUs are the primary focus of this visit, the government anticipates an agreement with China for grant funding to construct a world-class hospital in Bangladesh through collaborative efforts. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen shared his confidence that this visit would yield meaningful outcomes, marking a milestone in Bangladesh-China relations.
After their meeting, Dr Yunus and President Xi Jinping will participate in a joint photo session and discuss an array of strategic bilateral issues, including trade and investment growth, infrastructure development, renewable energy cooperation, and addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis.
Dr Yunus is set to engage with Chinese business leaders during an "Investment Dialogue" designed to highlight Bangladesh's business-friendly environment and attract investments. Furthermore, he will participate in roundtable discussions on diverse themes, including sustainable infrastructure, energy investment, advanced manufacturing opportunities, and the role of youth entrepreneurship in fostering a "Three Zero World" (zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment).
On Saturday, Dr Yunus will visit Peking University to receive an honorary doctorate, recognising his contributions to global development. He will deliver an address to the audience following the ceremony and later grant an exclusive interview to leading Chinese media organisations, sharing insights into the multidimensional relationship between Bangladesh and China.
The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a milestone celebrated through joint initiatives reflecting the strength of their partnership. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin noted that this visit adds a fresh dimension to Dhaka-Beijing relations, paving the way for deeper cooperation and mutual prosperity.
