President urges China to boost investment, support Rohingya repatriation

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday urged China to increase investment in Bangladesh and further enhance cooperation in creating conditions for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas.

He made the call when outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a farewell courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban this morning, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam confirmed.

“China’s initiatives would contribute to resolving the Rohingya crisis and ensuring sustainable repatriation,” the President said.

He called for increased cooperation and investment in various sectors, including ready-made garments, electric vehicles, light engineering, high-tech electronics, semiconductors and solar energy.

Welcoming initiatives for multilateral regional connectivity, including the Kunming-Chattogram corridor and the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, he said, “Bangladesh is ready to work with China and relevant partners for mutual interests.”

The President highlighted the modernisation and expansion of Mongla Port and the establishment of the China Economic and Industrial Zone as important initiatives for connectivity, industrialisation and economic development.

He urged China to continue its technical and financial assistance for the Teesta River Integrated Management and Restoration Project and requested that discussions on the implementation of the project be taken forward.

Referring to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s visits to China in 1977 and 1980, and his own visit to China in April this year, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “These visits and meetings have further deepened and strengthened bilateral relations.”

He described China as a trusted friend and strategic partner of Bangladesh and expressed hope that the relationship would become stronger and more consolidated in the days ahead.

The President expressed gratitude to China for the construction and financing of the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital.

The Chinese ambassador also assured cooperation when the President sought Chinese expertise and technological cooperation in treating blood cancer at the Combined Military Hospital, which is open to the public.

The President praised Ambassador Yao Wen’s contribution to strengthening Bangladesh-China relations.

Wishing Yao Wen a bright future and success, the President said, “Bangladesh would remember, with gratitude, his contribution to the development of Bangladesh-China relations.”

The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present during the meeting.

Deputy Chief of Mission Dr Liu Yuyin accompanied the Chinese ambassador.