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Published : 26 Jun 2026, 03:12 PM
China has proposed establishing an economic corridor connecting Bangladesh, Myanmar and China, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin announced the proposal at a media briefing on Friday after a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Mahdi said the proposed corridor would aim to expand Bangladesh's economy, increase economic transactions and strengthen multimodal transportation links.
He said China had also expressed interest in modernising Chittagong Port to develop it into a regional hub serving not only Bangladesh but neighbouring countries.
China is also keen to upgrade Mongla Port to make it more efficient and service-oriented, he said.
The meeting with Xi marked the final major engagement of the prime minister's visit to China.
Easier Medical Access
Mahdi said China had expressed interest in expanding cooperation in Bangladesh's healthcare sector, including support for advanced medical services, robotic surgery, and hospital development.
He added that China was willing to simplify visa processing for Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment and provide other forms of assistance to facilitate healthcare access.
Support on Rohingya Repatriation
On the Rohingya issue, Mahdi said Bangladesh had reiterated its longstanding position that displaced Rohingya should return to Myanmar voluntarily, safely, and with dignity.
He said China had assured Bangladesh that it would facilitate dialogue with Myanmar whenever requested to help advance the repatriation process.
Foreign and Defence Dialogue
Mahdi also said Bangladesh and China had reached an understanding to establish regular dialogue on foreign affairs and defence.
Under the arrangement, representatives from the foreign and defence ministries of both countries will hold regular discussions, with details of the mechanism still being worked out.
Future BRICS Bid
Mahdi said China had welcomed Bangladesh's intention to apply for membership of BRICS and expressed support for the country's future application.
