The Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday to review the progress made during his recent state visit to China and to strategise the next steps in deepening bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, both parties reiterated their commitment to translating discussions into concrete projects across key sectors such as infrastructure, trade, healthcare, education, and cultural exchange.
“Our top priority now is to move forward with the plans we discussed during the China visit,” said Professor Yunus. “We must maintain the momentum and deliver on the promises made.”
Ambassador Yao echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of implementation. “This is also our top priority. The meetings in China were held at the highest level. We don’t want to wait years to sign agreements—we want to see real progress now.”
Among the initiatives discussed were the development of the Mongla and Anowara economic zones. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun noted that preparations are nearing completion, after which the zones will be handed over to developers to begin operational activities.
The two sides also addressed procurement plans for four new vessels from China. Ambassador Yao assured that delivery would be finalized by June.
China’s Commerce Minister is expected to visit Bangladesh soon, accompanied by a 100-member investor delegation. BIDA Chairman Ashik announced plans to organise a sector-specific mini investment summit to further boost Chinese investment.
Healthcare featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to building a 1,000-bed hospital in Bangladesh. Progress is also being made on a specialised burn unit in Chattogram. Additionally, the Chinese government is working to expedite medical visas for Bangladeshi patients and facilitate the launch of a direct Kunming–Chattogram flight.
On cultural cooperation, Professor Yunus proposed the establishment of a Chinese Cultural Centre and Language Institute in Bangladesh to enable deeper engagement among the youth with Chinese language and culture.
Both countries also agreed to begin work on a long-term 50-year master plan for water management, with particular focus on the Teesta River system.
The Chief Adviser called for increased Chinese investment in the locomotive industry, proposing the establishment of locomotive manufacturing and maintenance hubs in Chattogram and Syedpur. He also highlighted the importance of skills development and suggested launching capacity-building workshops and technical training programs.
In the area of agricultural trade, it was confirmed that Bangladesh will begin exporting mangoes to China this season, with jackfruit exports to follow next year. “I’ll send a basket of fresh mangoes to President Xi myself,” Professor Yunus said with a smile.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalliur Rahman, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Special Assistant Faiz Taieb, Cabinet Secretary Sirajuddin Mia, and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.
Both nations concluded the meeting with a strong message of urgency and shared vision, pledging to ensure that the outcomes of the high-level visit result in meaningful, timely development.
