Bangladesh-China relations have potential for a new era: Dr. Yunus

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, has said that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China are going to be deeper and more promising.

He expressed hope that more Chinese investors will come to Bangladesh in the coming days and build a larger market together with local partners.

In an interview with China's state news agency Xinhua, Dr. Yunus said, "China is our close friend. Our relationship has been strong for a long time. Our trade cooperation is strong and we are benefiting greatly from this relationship."

He also said, "The people of Bangladesh are inspired by China's amazing development and progress. The interim government aims to build a developed Bangladesh, where lessons will be learned from China's development experience."

Praising China's success in poverty alleviation, Dr. Yunus said, "Many countries only focus on increasing GDP, but China has directly worked to meet the basic needs of the poor. That is why they have been able to eradicate poverty in a short period of time.’

China has become Bangladesh’s largest trading partner in the last 15 years. Currently, about 1,000 Chinese companies are operating in Bangladesh, which has created employment for about 550,000 people.

Dr. Yunus said, ‘Most of the materials used in Bangladesh’s industrial sector come from China. Our imports are increasing, which is beneficial for both countries.’

Recently, the first group of Bangladeshi patients, doctors and travel agents went to Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, for medical services. In this context, he said, ‘We can learn a lot from China’s advanced healthcare system. Building a strong healthcare sector in Bangladesh is our priority.’

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations, which has been declared the ‘Bangladesh-China Public Relations Year’. Dr. Yunus said, “Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang came to Bangladesh in the 7th century and Bangladeshi Buddhist scholar Atish Dipankar played an important role in spreading Buddhism in China. This historical bond has further strengthened our relationship.”

Outlining the future cooperation, the Nobel laureate economist said, “We do not just want a fast-growing economy, but we want to build an inclusive economic model where everyone has the opportunity to participate.”

He added, “Our cooperation will now not be limited to economics alone, but will also expand to culture, education and technology. The last 50 years have been extraordinary, but I believe the next 50 years will be even more promising.”