China keen to help Bangladesh in blue economy sector
UNB
China yesterday showed keen interest in cooperating in the maritime and blue economy sector in Bangladesh and proposed to constitute a Working Group in the Ministry of Commerce of China to work on the technical areas, reports UNB.
Visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng came up with the response when Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali sought Chinese government cooperation in setting up of the first ever Marine Aquarium in Bangladesh at the National Oceanographic Research Institute (NORIfor the capacity building of institutions and human resources in maritime and Blue Economy of the Bay of Bengal to make the optimum use of the maritime resources, according to the Foreign Ministry here.
The Chinese commerce minister also mentioned that a Chinese company, China Aquatic Corporation, would look into Bangladeshs request of setting up of the first-ever marine aquarium in NORI, Coxs Bazar.
During the hour-long talks between the two ministers at the foreign ministry, a host of issues covering the ongoing development activities, Chinese investment in special economic zones and other issues of common concern were discussed.
Bangladesh side reiterated its One China policy which the Chinese side deeply appreciated.
The foreign minister touched upon the historical background to the relationship between China and Bangladesh built over several hundred years.
The chinese minister echoed by noting that scholars and businessmen who travelled between the two nations were instrumental for the strong bond of friendship and understanding.
Mahmood Ali noted that the bonds between the two nations got solidified further with the visits of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China in 1952 and 1957.
In recent times, the bond of friendship has intensified through the landmark visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas to China in June, 2014 which elevated the relations to Closer Comprehensive Partnership.
Gao Hucheng appreciated the constructive support received from the government of Bangladesh on issues critical to Chinas interest.
The visiting minister
appreciated the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the significant development strides made in socioeconomic development of Bangladesh, especially the phenomenal growth rate of more than 6 percent for the last six years.
He expressed his countrys desire to continue supporting the government of Sheikh Hasina for its future endeavours for progress and development.
Referring to the One Belt - One Road initiative of Chinese President Xi Xinping, the Chinese Minister emphasised the initiative will enhance communication, coordination of national policies and overall people-to-people contact between and among all the countries involved.
He summarised by saying that through this initiative and related mechanisms China wants to Discuss together-Develop together- Share together for the common pursuit of progress and development.
Both sides reiterated to work together to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China according to the Plan of Action and to arrange high level visit from China to Bangladesh this year.
Visiting Chinese delegation accompanying the Chinese Commerce Minister, Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang and senior Foreign Ministry officials were present.
