Yunus holds 'hugely successful' talks with Chinese President Xi

Discussions focused on attracting Chinese investment and businesses to Bangladesh, according to the chief advisor's press aide

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has attended a “hugely successful” bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to the interim government leader's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

The talks took place at 10am local time in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

In a post on Facebook, Shafiqul said President Xi reiterated Beijing's support for Bangladesh's interim government during the meeting. The discussion covered a host of issues, ranging from Chinese investment in Bangladesh to the Chinese premier’s fondness for Bangladeshi fruits such as mangoes and jackfruit.

Shafiqul wrote, “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 arrived in China on Wednesday. As part of his four-day visit, he attended an “Investment Dialogue” with Chinese business leaders in Beijing after the meeting with Xi.

The event was organised to inform Chinese investors about Bangladesh’s business-friendly environment, and aims to attract Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

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.”