China’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, says Beijing is ready to share renewable energy expertise as Bangladesh faces a major energy crisis, calling it the right time to expand solar power and cut fossil fuel dependence. He framed this as a “historical opportunity” in bilateral ties, linked to recent high-level visits and a joint pledge to build a shared future.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said China is working with Bangladesh on energy and solar power as the country faces a significant energy crisis, with Beijing ready to share its expertise to help expand renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
“I believe this is the right time for Bangladesh to develop renewable energy or solar power and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels,” Yao told journalists after a meeting with Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and State Minister Mir Shahe Alam at the Secretariat.
The ambassador said there is significant scope for cooperation between the two countries to address Bangladesh’s energy supply shortages, particularly by utilising China’s capabilities in the renewable energy sector.
Yao also described the current period as a “historical opportunity” in Bangladesh-China relations, particularly following Prime Minister’s recent visit to China.
He said the two countries have agreed through a joint communiqué to build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future for a new era, with cooperation being expanded in economic and other sectors.
Yao said several initiatives have progressed over the past two months following the prime minister’s visit, including the launch of construction work at the China-Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Chattogram and progress on the Mongla Port project.
China is also working with Bangladesh on a feasibility study for the Teesta River project, he said.
The ambassador said projects including a residential hall for female students at Dhaka University and a 1,000-bed hospital are also progressing.
He added that China is focusing not only on economic cooperation but also on education and people-to-people connectivity.
Yao welcomed Bangladesh’s initiative to introduce Chinese as a third language in the national education system.
He said the National Skills Development Authority has already established a recognised system for Chinese-language instruction, expressing hope that Chinese could be incorporated into the national education system by the end of this year.
He said Chinese-language education and training would create new opportunities for skills development.
The envoy also said Bangladesh and China are working to further expand air connectivity between the two countries.