Bangladesh calls for separate South Asia-China platform to tackle climate risks

Bangladesh has proposed the formation of a dedicated platform involving South Asian countries and China to jointly address the increasing threats posed by climate change in the region.

"South Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. We need a common platform, with the cooperation of China, to tackle this in a sustainable way," said Ruhul Alam Siddique, acting foreign secretary of Bangladesh.

He made the remarks at the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 29th China Kunming Import and Export Fair yesterday.

Maldives Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim echoed the call for regional cooperation. "Minimising climate risk is not an easy task. It would require a united effort from South Asian countries and China," he said.

Ruhul Alam said, "Cooperation is not just an option in today's global context – it's an imperative."

"We need open, transparent partnerships based on mutual benefit. This forum must be result-oriented, where progress is measured not just by GDP but by dignity and equity," he added.

The Chinese government also highlighted the importance of stronger people-to-people ties between China and South Asian countries.

China's Yunnan Province Governor Wang Yubo called for greater cooperation in areas such as logistics, cross-border e-commerce, sustainable infrastructure, green industrialisation, and cultural and media exchanges.

"Regulatory alignment is essential for closer collaboration," he added.

China's Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong said China is ready to work closely with South Asian nations for mutual benefit and shared prosperity. 

He emphasised the need to ensure regional security and integrated development, while also promoting cooperation in agriculture, the blue economy, and the digital economy.

During the expo's opening ceremony, Chinese authorities stated that China's trade with South Asian countries has doubled over the past decade, reaching $10 billion.

China interested in jute goods

This year, around 90 Bangladeshi entrepreneurs took part in the 19th China-South Asia Expo – twice the number from the previous year. Among them was Altu Khan Jute Mills Limited, a leading exporter of jute products to China.

"Our jute goods are seeing increasing demand in the Chinese market," said Rupom, general manager of the company. "We joined the expo to explore further market opportunities, especially in Vietnam."

He added that the company exported Tk200 crore worth of jute products, including jute yarn and sacks, in FY25, and has a target of Tk250 crore for FY26.

Chinese Vice Minister Yan Dong also noted the rising popularity of Bangladeshi jute goods in China.

Several other Bangladeshi businesses showcased products such as handicrafts, food items, apparel, and fruit, including mangoes, at the expo.

Note: Senior Correspondent Reyad Hossain reporting from Kunming, China