Dhaka-Beijing ties poised for greater opportunities in next 50 years: Experts
Understanding history is essential for shaping the future, and the friendship between Bangladesh and China.
Noting that the story of Bangladesh-China relations extends far beyond the fifty years of formal diplomatic ties, experts from both countries at a book launching-cum-seminar have said the next 50 years promise even greater opportunities for both nations and for the wider region with vision, patience, and continued cooperation.
Ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's scheduled visit to China later this month, the experts highlighted that understanding history is essential for shaping the future and that the friendship between Bangladesh and China, nurtured over generations, remains a bridge connecting civilisations, economies, and people.
The event marking the formal launching of the book titled "50 Years of Bangladesh-China Relations: Achievements, Challenges & Prospects" was held at Baridhara in the capital on Friday (12 June) evening as part of the Cosmos Dialogue hosted by Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The seminar was chaired by Cosmos Foundation President Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury. The book is co-edited by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan and Professor Imtiaz Ahmed.
Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, MP, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue and eminent economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, Barrister Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, MP, Chargé d'Affaires of the High Commission of Singapore in Dhaka Mitchel Lee, Cultural Counsellor at the Embassy of China Li Shaopeng, Executive Member (Planning and Development) of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority Major General (Retd) Md Nazrul Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman, Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh President Han Kun, and former deputy press secretary of the interim government Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present.
The speakers discussed the PM's upcoming official visit to China, as the two countries eye new investment agreements, infrastructure projects, and economic initiatives that are expected to strengthen cooperation further.
Plans for the modernisation of Mongla Port, the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, and discussions on a future Free Trade Agreement were seen as important steps toward shared prosperity.
