China’s support sought on loan relief, investment and dev: Fakhrul on recent visit
The BNP urged China to support Bangladesh’s growth in key sectors like tech, energy, healthcare, and the blue economy, he says
The BNP has requested China's help in extending repayment periods for existing loans and reconsidering associated fees to boost the nation's economy, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said today (30 June).
Speaking at a press conference following a recent BNP delegation's visit to China, Fakhrul said, "We also discussed improving the investment climate and ensuring investment security during our meetings with Chinese leaders."
He said the BNP delegation urged China to play a larger role in Bangladesh's development across key sectors such as digital technology, semiconductors, renewable energy, healthcare, communication, and the blue economy.
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Fakhrul noted that Chinese officials responded positively to these proposals.
In a meeting with Li Hongzhong, a member of the Communist Party of China's Politburo, the BNP reaffirmed its support for the One China Policy.
Li, in turn, invited BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to visit China and expressed a desire to collaborate with the future elected government in Bangladesh.
Fakhrul stated that the BNP advocated for Chinese cooperation that prioritises the rights of the Bangladeshi people while upholding mutual interests.
Additionally, the Chinese Communist Party proposed, and the BNP accepted, a two-year political memorandum of understanding.
On 28 June, a nine-member high-level delegation of the BNP, led by Mirza Fakhrul, returned home from China after a five-day visit. During their trip, they held formal meetings with senior CPC leaders.
The BNP delegation also visited the Museum of the Communist Party, the Great Wall, and several development sites including China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in Beijing, a Smart City and Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone in Xi'an, Xi'an Jiaotong University, and a village in Shaanxi Province.
The eight other BNP delegation members are – BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Selima Rahman; chairperson's advisers Zahir Uddin Swapan, Ismail Zabiullah, Sukomal Barua; the party's media cell convener Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel; and BNP chairperson's Personal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.
