Dhaka: Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen said that the upcoming election is an internal matter of Bangladesh. China does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries but opposes those who seek to interfere.
He said this while talking to senior journalists of East West Media Group Limited (EWMGL) in Dhaka on Sunday (October 8) evening.
The exchange and discussion sessions were held in the EWMGL conference room.
Bangladesh Daily Editor Naeem Nizam, Kaler Kantha Editor-in-Chief Imdadul Haque Milan, BanglaNews24.com Editor Jewel Mazhar, Kaler Kantha Editor Shahe Muhammad Ali, Daily Sun Editor Rezaul Karim Lotus, News24 Executive Editor Rahul Raha and other senior journalists were present.
When asked how China sees the importance of policy continuity and political stability to keep the upcoming elections and economic wheels moving in Bangladesh, the Chinese ambassador said, “The upcoming elections are Bangladesh’s internal affairs.” From a policy standpoint, China adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and opposes powers that interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. ‘
The Chinese ambassador said, ‘Bangladesh’s future will be determined by the people of Bangladesh. China is confident in the better future of Bangladesh as well as China-Bangladesh relations.
Journalists want to know whether China will grant 100% duty and quota-free access to Bangladeshi products in its market and how the Bangladesh-China trade relationship will face the post-LDC challenges. In response, the ambassador said that China has been the single largest trading partner of Bangladesh for 12 consecutive years. Bangladesh mainly imports machinery and parts from China. It is helping Bangladesh to expand its market in the world amid high productivity and increasing competition in Bangladesh’s manufactured garment industry.
Ambassador Yao Wen said that China attaches great importance to reducing the trade gap with Bangladesh. China Embassy is working hard to export high-quality products like mangoes from Bangladesh. The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong will attract more Chinese investment in high-end industries, such as ICT, renewable energy, electric vehicles, food processing, etc.
The ambassador said to encourage local businessmen to display ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand products at various fairs including the Canton Fair in China.
Yao Wen said that since 2021, 98 percent of Bangladeshi products are getting duty-free benefits in the Chinese market. Bangladesh is expected to become the ninth-largest market in the world by 2030. So, there is potential for trade and profit between the two countries.
The ambassador said that currently China and Bangladesh are promoting FTA negotiations. I hope that the survey on the FTA will be completed and formal negotiations will begin soon.
When asked about the possible areas of China’s cooperation to further the relationship with Bangladesh, the ambassador said that close and friendly communication and discussions between China and Bangladesh have been going on for a long time. Bilateral relations have grown rapidly and established models over the past decade, especially after the historic visit of the Chinese President to Bangladesh in 2016 and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s successful visit to China three years later. China builds relations based on mutual respect and friendly cooperation. People are the foundation of China-Bangladesh relations. The main goal of China’s strategic partnership with Bangladesh is to tackle all kinds of challenges through joint efforts.
The Chinese ambassador said that our joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is an expression of the strong, strong bond between the two countries and peoples. This bond will only get stronger in the years to come.
Ambassador Yao Wen talked about four ways to elevate the Bangladesh-China strategic partnership to a higher level. First, intensive discussions at the top level of the two countries. Second, mutual support on issues of mutual fundamental interest. Third, to further integrate the development strategies of China and Bangladesh. Fourth, increase dialogue and communication between all levels under the ‘Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)’.
The Chinese ambassador said that with the improvement of Bangladesh-Myanmar relations and talks, China will take the initiative of the trilateral economic corridor. This will create an environment for lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.
Ambassador Yao Wen said Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the ‘Global Development Initiative (GDI)’ to implement the SDGs. It will be absolutely helpful in achieving the goal of high-quality development in Bangladesh.
China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) is seen by some as only a matter of military concern, the ambassador said. However, the GSI focuses on non-traditional security such as climate change response, food and energy security, data management, artificial intelligence regulation, public health, and combating transnational organized crime. Bangladesh also has an interest here.
The ambassador informed about increasing communication and exchange of visits between China and Bangladesh under the global civilization initiative.
In response to questions about infrastructure development in Bangladesh under China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)’ and the security of Chinese nationals working in Bangladesh, the ambassador said that cooperation between China and Bangladesh under BRI is now entering the fruition stage. Bangladesh is the first country in South Asia to join BRI. BRI’s roots in the Bay of Bengal have grown stronger and blossomed over the past seven years. China has built 12 roads, 21 bridges, and 27 power and energy projects in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke highly of BRI, saying it has opened a new door of development for Bangladesh.
The ambassador said that more than 600 Chinese enterprises are working in Bangladesh and hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens are living here. As ambassadors of brotherhood and amity, they should ensure safety and security and protect their legitimate interests. In this regard, I have full confidence in most people of Bangladesh who have always been friendly with China.
The ambassador highlighted China’s initiatives to strengthen people-to-people contacts and relations between the two countries.
