China's former ambassador to Bangladesh Zhang Xianyi has said Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit will further boost ties between the two countries. The former ambassador also described Bangladesh as a good investment destination, due to its geographic advantage, rich natural resources, vast size of potential consumers and low labor costs. A series of collaborative agreements, including on major projects, are expected to be signed during the Chinese leader's visit.
The bilateral trade between Bangladesh-China has crossed $13 billion with the deepening of relations further than ever before, former ambassador to Dhaka Zhang Xianyi recent told the China Radio International (CRI) ahead of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Bangladesh today.
It will be the first visit by a Chinese President to Bangladesh in the last 30 years. Answering to a question on the significance of Sino-Bangladesh relations, Ambasador Zhang said, he was working in Dhaka when President Xi visited Bangladesh as acting Vice-President to mark the 35th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh in 2010.
A joint statement by the two countries at that time pointed out to the development of relations based on partnership on the basis of all out cooperation. It saw increase in not only trade but also more than 40 visits at ministerial level between the two countries during his tenure, Zhang said. At the same time investments by the Chinese companies in Bangladesh rose significantly.
Exchange in cultural and education sectors also increased between the two countries, he added. Every year over 200  Bangladeshi students receives Chinese Government Scholarships. And Confucius Classroom and Confucius Institute have become an important platform of learning Chinese in Bangladesh, Zhang mentioned.
Pointing out to his experience during his tenure in Bangladesh, Zhang paid tribute to the Bangladeshis for their cordiality that left a deep imprint in his mind. He said, “I have worked in many countries of Europe and Africa as a diplomat. If any comparison is made I would say that Bangalees are ahead in hospitality. Particularly their cordiality during contacts with the Chinese is most notable.”
Ambassador Zhang said, though they do not share an undivided border between two countries, the nations have become close neighbours. The relations between China and Bangladesh are close and friendly. Zhang believes that if there is more exchanges between the people of the two countries China-Bangladesh friendship will be further strengthened.
“The dormant strength of cooperation between Bangladesh and China is strong under the ‘one region, one path’ policy. The Banga (Bengal) region in history had been an important link in the ancient southern silk route and Sea silk routes,” he said.
“Because of the silk routes, Bangladesh remains a bright example to boost trade and commerce. Because of that reason, the policy of ‘one Region’ ‘one Path’ of China has received positive response from Bangladesh,” Ambassador Zhang said.
“Geographically, the location of Bangladesh is very important having a good port and the country being endowed with rich natural gas. Being a populous country means it has a big market. More manpower means labour cost is less here making it to many countries a good place for investment,” Ambassador Zhang observed.
The position of Bangladesh will be stronger in global business in future as China is likely to cooperate with Bangladesh for infrastructure development in railway as well as natural gas exploration, agriculture, education, and public health sector. Besides China and Bangladesh have associated to build up Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor.
In this regard ambassador Zhang said this visit will play role to develop bilateral trade and economic relations between two friendly countries.
His counter part President of Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid happens to be his old friend. He also visited China when he was Speaker of Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad.
Ambassador Zhang further pointed out, “There had been many progress in the bilateral relations between China-Bangladesh and the present relations is passing through its sweetest period. I believe that the present visit will chart the future course of development of bilateral relations”.