Yunus wants China to play greater role in regional peace, prosperity and stability

Yunus seeks China’s support in “safe, dignified return of Rohingya refugees” to Myanmar

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has called on China to make greater contributions in establishing peace, prosperity and stability.

Yunus brought it up to Chinese President Xi Jinping during bilateral talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on his four-day state visit on Friday, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reported.

Highlighting the July Uprising in Bangladesh, he said the movement paved the way to build a “New Bangladesh”.

He spoke about his longstanding familiarity with China, mentioning his past attachment to China in introducing Grameen Bank and social business there.

Yunus turned his attention to the Rohingya crisis and sought support from China in the “safe and dignified return of refugees” to their homeland.

Earlier, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam in a Facebook post said Yunus had held a “hugely successful” bilateral meeting with Xi.

Shafiqul wrote discussions focused on attracting Chinese investment and businesses to Bangladesh.

“President Xi Jinping has said China would encourage Chinese investment and relocation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises to Bangladesh. He said China would give positive consideration to a host of important issues raised by Bangladesh. They include the reduction of interest rates on Chinese loans and cooperation on water resources management.”

Yunus reached China on Wednesday on his first bilateral visit to strengthen the financial ties between Dhaka and Beijing. He attended an “Investment Dialogue” with Chinese business leaders in Beijing after the meeting with Xi.

The chief advisor is also set to attend three round-table discussions at the same venue. The discussions are titled “Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment”, “Bangladesh 2.0: Manufacturing and Market Opportunities”, and “Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship, and the World of Three Zeros.”