Recently, the Yunnan Daily Press Group report­ ers stationed in Beijing interviewed Bangladeshi Ambassador to China M. Fazlul Karim.

Ambassador M. Fazlul Karim said: "Bangladesh and China have been friends and brothers since ancient times, and the friendly relations between the two countries date back to more than a thousand years ago. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China, so it is of great significance to the future cooperative development of the two countries. I expect the China-South Asia Expo to push  the   China-Bangladesh relations to a new height."

Ambassador Karim highly praised the Chinese government and the Yunnan provincial government for holding   the   China-South Asia Expo in Kunming. He said: "The China-South Asia Expo is a major event for exchanges and cooperation between China and Bangladesh as well as other South Asian countries. The First China-South   Asia   Expo jointly   sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and Yunnan Province established a very good platform for the friendly exchanges and economic and trade cooperation between Bangladesh and China. During the First China-South Asia Expo, when Bangladesh was the theme country, Bangladeshi companies took advantage of the opportunity and showcased the Bangladeshi products and culture in China."

Yunnan has been playing an important role in bridging China with Bangladesh and other South Asia countries since ancient times. "Yunnan is favourably located, with pleasant weather and abundant natural resources. Kunming is only 1,800 kilometres away from Chittagong and shares a similar environment with Bangladesh. These are important conditions  for the cooperation on the two sides in the implementation of the Belt and Road initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping," Ambassador Karim said, "I know,the Third China-South Asia Expo not only will promote a lot of products but will include a variety of cultural and  artistic  exchange  activities as well, which will greatly diversify the event, enhance  the  mutual  trust and  strengthen  exchanges between the two countries." This year, the Bangla­ deshi government has at­tached great importance to the Third China-South Asia Expo and will organise a large number of works of art and electronics companies to participate in it. "We will stress both quantity and quality," said Ambassador Karim, "We will bring the best Bangladeshi products to China and showcase them to the Chinese and South Asian people. Through the platform of the China-South Asia Expo, we will present Bangladesh as a country with a favourable investment environment. We will focus on attracting Chinese investors to seek entrepreneurial development in Bangladesh." "In addition, we hope that more Chinese businessmen will go to Bangladesh to visit and discuss business. When Bangladeshi companies and business representatives come to China, we tell them not only to visit Beijing and Shanghai but also to visit Chongqing, Chengdu and Kunming in southwest of China." said Ambassador Karim