By Mizan Rahman
Dhaka
China yesterday offered to cooperate in the maritime and blue economy sector in Bangladesh and proposed to constitute a ‘Working Group’ in the Ministry of Commerce of China to work on the technical areas.
Visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng came up with the response when Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali sought Chinese government cooperation in setting up of the first ever ‘Marine Aquarium’ in Bangladesh at the National Oceanographic Research Institute (NORI) in Cox’s Bazar.
The Foreign Minister also sought assistance for the capacity building of institutions and human resources in maritime and Blue Economy of the Bay of Bengal to make the optimum use of the maritime resources, according to the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka.
The Chinese Commerce Minister also mentioned that a Chinese company, ‘China Aquatic Corporation’, would look into Bangladesh’s request of setting up of the first-ever marine aquarium in NORI, Cox’s Bazar.
During the hour-long talks between the two Ministers at the Foreign Ministry, a host of issues covering the ongoing development activities, Chinese investment in Special Economic Zones and other issues of common concern were discussed. The Bangladesh side reiterated its ‘One China’ policy which the Chinese side deeply appreciated.
The Foreign Minister touched upon the historical background to the relationship between China and Bangladesh built over several hundred years.
The Chinese Minister echoed by noting that scholars and businessmen who travelled between the two countries were instrumental for the strong bond of friendship and understanding.
Mahmood Ali noted that the bonds between the two nations got solidified further with the visits of the Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China in 1952 and 1957.
In recent times, the bond of friendship has intensified through the landmark visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s to China in June, 2014, which elevated the relations to ‘Closer Comprehensive Partnership’.
Gao Hucheng appreciated the constructive support received from the government of Bangladesh on issues critical to China’s interest.
The visiting minister appreciated the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the significant development strides made in socioeconomic development of Bangladesh, especially the phenomenal growth rate of more than 6 percent for the last six years.
He expressed his country’s desire to continue supporting the government of Sheikh Hasina for its future endeavours for progress and development.
Referring to the ‘One Belt — One Road’ initiative of Chinese President Xi Xinping, the Chinese Minister emphasised the initiative will enhance communication, coordination of national policies and overall people-to-people contact between and among all the countries involved.
He summarised by saying that through this initiative and related mechanisms China wants to ‘Discuss together-Develop together-Share together’ for the common pursuit of progress and development.
Both sides reiterated to work together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China according to the ‘Plan of Action’ and to arrange high-level visit from China to Bangladesh this year.
Visiting Chinese delegation accompanying the Chinese Commerce Minister, Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang and senior Foreign Ministry officials were present.
