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Published : 21 Apr 2025, 01:52 AM
Highlighting the progress in agricultural trade with China, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said he would personally send “a basket of fresh mangoes” to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He made the statement during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen accompanied by other guests at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday, according to the Chief Advisor's Office.
They discussed the outcomes of the interim government head’s recent visit to China and outlined the next steps for accelerating Bangladesh-China cooperation during the meeting.
The chief advisor stressed the prompt implementation of the plans discussed during the visit.
He said, “Our top priority now is to move forward with the plans we discussed during the China visit. We want to make sure momentum is not lost.”
Both sides expressed a shared commitment to transforming discussions into actionable projects across a range of sectors—including infrastructure, trade, healthcare, education and culture.
The Chinese ambassador echoed the chief advisor’s sentiment, saying: “This is also our top priority. We had one of the highest-level agenda meetings in China, and we do not want to wait another two to three years just to sign agreements—we want to implement them quickly.”
One of the topics discussed was the development of the Mongla and Anowara economic zones. BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said that preparations are under way and, once completed, the zones will be handed over to developers to begin implementation.
The two sides also discussed a plan to procure four new vessels from China, with the Chinese side assuring that the process would be completed by June this year.
Ambassador Wen also confirmed that the Chinese commerce minister would visit Bangladesh soon, accompanied by a 100-member delegation of investors aiming to explore new investment opportunities.
“We will organise a mini investment summit focused on Chinese investors to strengthen sector-specific collaboration,” said BIDA Chairman Ashik.
Healthcare cooperation featured prominently in the discussion.
The Chinese side reaffirmed their commitment to building a 1,000-bed hospital in Bangladesh, as initially proposed during the China visit.
They also highlighted ongoing support in establishing a specialised burn unit in Chattogram.
The Chinese ambassador said that progress is being made to launch a direct Kunming–Chattogram flight, and efforts are under way to expedite medical visas for Bangladeshi patients.
The chief advisor stressed the importance of cultural exchange, proposing the establishment of a Chinese Cultural Centre and Language Institute to allow young Bangladeshis to engage more closely with Chinese language and culture.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to launching a long-term, 50-year master plan on water management, including work on the Teesta River system.
Yunus also raised the possibility of expanding jute exports to China and urged greater Chinese investment in the locomotive sector.
He proposed setting up locomotive manufacturing and maintenance hubs in Chattogram and Syedpur, alongside capacity-building workshops and training programmes.
“Agricultural trade was another area of progress. Bangladesh will begin exporting mangoes to China this season, with jackfruit exports scheduled for next year.
“I’ll send a basket of fresh mangoes to President Xi myself,” the chief advisor said.
Alongside Ashik, the meeting was also attended by the Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain, National Security advisor Dr Khalliur Rahman, Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Cabinet Secretary Sirajuddin Mia, SDG coordinator Lamiya Morshed.
