Bangladesh and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in water resources management, with both sides stressing the need for greater collaboration in tackling floods, droughts, waterlogging and river erosion.

The commitment came during a meeting between Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee at the minister’s office at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday.

According to BSS, the two sides discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation through knowledge and experience sharing, technological collaboration, research and professional capacity development in the water sector.

Anee described China and Bangladesh as “long-standing and time-tested friends”, saying the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries could provide a solid foundation for expanding cooperation in water resources.

He sought greater Chinese cooperation in exchanging expertise and experience in water management, education, technology, research and institutional capacity building.

The minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening joint efforts to address the growing challenges surrounding water resources and their sustainable management.

Yao Wen said China was keen to work with Bangladesh to conserve water resources while maintaining environmental balance.

The Chinese envoy also expressed Beijing’s readiness to support Bangladesh in dealing with a range of water-related challenges, including floods, droughts, waterlogging and river erosion.

The discussion also underscored the importance of using technology, research and shared expertise to improve water management and strengthen Bangladesh’s capacity to respond to climate- and water-related risks.

State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad, Water Resources Secretary AKM Shahabuddin and Chinese Embassy Economic and Commercial Counsellor Song Yang were present at the meeting.

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