Hasina says Bangladesh will follow Chinese development model

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government, inclined to strengthen strategic ties with China, will follow the economic giant as its development model.

She made the statement when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on her at Ganabhaban on Sunday afternoon.

After the meeting, her Press Secretary AKM Shamim Chowdhury told reporter that Wang urged Bangladesh to act as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia.

He was quoted as telling the prime minister that Bangladesh) can play a vital role in establishment of peace and order and in development.

The Chinese foreign minister said Bangladesh's geographical position was its ‘big strength’ and promised that Beijing would support Dhaka in its hour of need.

Chowdhury quoted the prime minister as telling Wang: “Bangladesh will follow China as the development model. China’s development means development of Asia. The two countries can attain the goal of poverty eradication through mutual assistance.”

Hasina highlighted the ‘good relations’ among Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar during the discussion, he said.

The Chinese foreign minister praised the progresses Bangladesh made in the last six years.

“He said Bangladesh is advancing fast. If it can keep the pace, it can attain the goals for 2021 and 2041. China will extend support to this end,” Chowdhury added.

Quoting the prime minister, he said Bangladesh would celebrate the 40th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with China in a grand manner next near.

Hasina hoped that the Chinese president would lay the foundation stone of Karnaphuli tunnel as part of the celebrations.

Chowdhury said: “The meeting discussed exchange of visits of the top leaders next year marking the 40th anniversary.”

The Chinese foreign minister said at the meeting that his country would import more jute and jute goods from Bangladesh and in return Beijing would provide Dhaka with hybrid variety of rice and technologies.

Wang said Chinese entrepreneurs would invest more in Bangladesh.