China has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with Bangladesh, pledging continued support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project, efforts to facilitate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees, and greater access for Bangladeshi products to the Chinese market.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen made the remarks on Saturday while addressing a seminar titled "Long Live Bangladesh-China Friendship" organised by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.
The envoy said Bangladesh-China relations are at one of their strongest phases, driven by recent high-level exchanges that have reinforced the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.
On the long-discussed Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project, Yao said China remains committed to supporting its implementation. He noted that feasibility studies are progressing and Beijing stands ready to provide both technical and financial assistance for the project.
Addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, the ambassador said China would continue to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar to help create conditions for the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas. He added that Beijing's mediation efforts would continue in line with evolving political developments in Myanmar.
Yao also highlighted China's plans to advance the proposed Bangladesh-China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCMEC), describing it as a key initiative to strengthen regional connectivity and economic integration. He expressed optimism that high-speed rail technology, including bullet trains, could eventually become part of Bangladesh's railway network, enhancing transport links across the region.
On economic cooperation, the ambassador said China is prepared to expand long-term collaboration with Bangladesh in trade, infrastructure, connectivity and development.
He noted that a recently signed trade protocol, concluded during the Bangladeshi prime minister's visit to China, will enable the export of fresh Bangladeshi jackfruit to the Chinese market. The move follows China's decision to open its market to Bangladeshi mangoes and is expected to create new opportunities for Bangladesh's agricultural exports.
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the seminar as the chief guest, while representatives from both countries' diplomatic, business and academic communities also took part in the event.
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