Dhaka eyeing deeper economic cooperation with Beijing centering CA's visit

Bangladesh is eyeing deeper economic cooperation with China as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus prepares for an official visit to Beijing this week, marking a pivotal moment in the two nations' 50-year diplomatic relationship.

Amid shifting regional dynamics and heightened tensions with India, the visit carries significant geopolitical weight, with Bangladesh seeking to strengthen trade ties, attract Chinese investment, and expand cooperation in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and water management.

"Our priority is to elevate our friendly relations with Beijing further, particularly by increasing economic cooperation. We want more investment from China and aim to export more products there," Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told the media recently. 

Economic cooperation in focus

A key agenda item is attracting Chinese investment to Bangladesh's Special Economic Zone in Chattogram, dedicated to Chinese enterprises. "We hope Chinese companies will relocate their factories here, leveraging Bangladesh's favorable investment climate," Hossain said.

However, he noted that Bangladesh has yet to fully capitalize on Beijing's market incentives due to its "limited product basket." Diversifying exports will be crucial for attracting China's vast consumer base.

Healthcare cooperation

Healthcare cooperation is another critical area of discussion, particularly as Bangladeshi patients face difficulties obtaining Indian visas for medical treatment.

"The first batch of Bangladeshi patients has already traveled to China for treatment. We want China to invest in establishing a modern hospital in Dhaka," Hossain added.

Bangladesh has also requested China to designate four hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients, ensuring a supportive treatment environment. The feedback from this initial group could shape future decisions regarding medical partnerships.

Water management and the Teesta issue

Water management is another topic of interest, with Bangladesh seeking Chinese collaboration on river management projects, including the Teesta River.

"We want to advance cooperation in water management for Bangladesh's long-term benefit," Hossain said.