Ruling out the possibility of any “substantial impact” of the coronavirus outbreak on the ongoing mega projects in Bangladesh, Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jiming has said more Chinese companies will come to Bangladesh as the country has been a very attractive investment destination.

 “I see Bangladesh-China relationship as good friends, good neighbors and trustworthy partners. Partners for economic development and partners of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI),” he told the news agency in an interview.

Ambassador Li Jiming stressed that the BRI programmes will not be affected at all due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Responding to a question, Jiming said they are working on ways to ensure smooth implementation of mega projects undertaken by the Chinese companies.

“I’ve decided to visit some of the key projects, including Padma Bridge Rail Link project, to see the situation on the ground…,” he said acknowledging that there are some impacts but there will not be any substantial impact on the mega projects.     

The Ambassador will visit, among others, the main camp of the first division of ‘CREC Project Management Office of Padma Bridge Rail Link Project (PBRLP) on Wednesday.

Explaining that BRI will not be affected, the Chinese Ambassador said BRI rather helps overcome the current challenges.

Ambassador Jiming said China, under the BRI mechanism, provided 500 sets of ‘most advanced testing kits’, to Bangladesh to identify coronavirus as a gesture of goodwill and strong faith that Bangladesh has in China in winning the battle against COVID-19.

“Bangladesh was the first country to receive such support,” said the Ambassador saying everybody gets benefits if China can overcome difficulties.

Expressing satisfaction over the investment climate in Bangladesh, Jiming said there is still room for further improvement, especially in land acquisition process outside economic zones and easing some policies.

 “We would like to see more (investment) and more industries to invest and shift their businesses here. You’ll see much more Chinese companies,” said the Ambassador adding that there are around 100 Chinese companies in Bangladesh now.

He laid emphasis on treating all the investors — domestic and foreign equally in terms of providing some facilities.

Ambassador Jiming said power supply would not be a problem as he believes it can be resolved by next two-three years.

 Hopeful of Rohingya Repatriation

Ambassador Jiming said Bangladesh and Myanmar are the major players, especially Myanmar, as the problem is originated there while Bangladesh is impacted due to the influx.

He said China is playing its role to help the two countries find a solution.

 Mentioning that a working mechanism is already there in place, the Chinese Ambassador said a consensus is there

and many suggestions have been implemented.