Bangladesh seeks Chinese funds in key development projects

Bangladesh has asked for more Chinese funding to implement its key development projects.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam sought Beijing’s support while meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday.

Both the ministers discussed issues of mutual interest during the meeting, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Bangladesh Ambassador to China M Fazlul Karim was also present.

Alam is in Beijing to attend the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

The Chinese minister assured him of continued support and assistance to Bangladesh.

They agreed to maintain regular high-level contacts, particularly at top level, to energise the relations.

Alam solicited early implementation of the proposed Chinese Industrial and Economic Zone in Anowara Upazila of Chittagong with financial support from China.

He reiterated the request to consider duty-free access of more Bangladeshi products to Chinese market.

The Chinese minister said the proposed Industrial and Economic Zone in Bangladesh “enjoys high priority at Chinese side”

He also expressed keenness to further cooperation in agriculture, energy, connectivity, and Blue Economy.

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation on various regional and global issues of common concern, the foreign ministry said.