China assures reducing trade gap with Bangladesh

At a bilateral meeting at Hotel Waldorf Astoria here, Sheikh Hasina informed the Chinese President of her government's decision to give 774 acres of land in Chittagong to set up a Chinese Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the Chinese President highly appreciated Bangladesh's rapid socioeconomic growth, saying China considers Bangladesh as one of its important cooperation partners and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as one of their best friends.

Marking the 40th anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Chinese President said there had been many high-level exchanges of visits and many others would be arranged in the coming days.

He said cooperation between the two countries can be enhanced in the areas of trade, economy, communication and education sectors. He assured importing more jute products from Bangladesh.

The Chinese President highly lauded the active participation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in construction of the BCIM corridor in the region which can bring economic benefit for the people. Both the leaders agreed on more representation of the two countries in UN bodies.

Sheikh Hasina hoped that the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries would further intensify the closer comprehensive partnership.

She thanked the Chinese President for taking steps for some remedial and preferential measures to address the existing trade imbalance.

Sheikh Hasina requested Xi Jinping to give duty free access of more Bangladesh products to Chinese market and relaxation of the APTA Rules of Origin.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, PM's Advisor on International Affairs Gowher Rizvi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam and Dr Dipu Moni, MP, were present.

Earlier, a delegation of three US Congressmen called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Hotel Waldorf Astoria here.

The Congressmen are Ranking Member of US House of Foreign Affairs Committee Eliot L. Engle, Co-chair of Bangladesh Caucus in the US Congress Joseph Crowley and Member of Bangladesh Caucus in US Congress Carolyn B. Maloney.

The Congressmen appreciated the Prime Minister for her government's successful role in poverty alleviation. They also hailed the role and performance of Bangladesh in peacekeeping missions under the guidance of Sheikh Hasina.

They also appreciated the "zero tolerance" policy of the Prime Minister against terrorism and violent extremism and congratulated Bangladesh for properly handling the Myanmar refugee problem.

PM's Advisor on ICT Affairs Sajeeb Wajed Joy, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, PM's Advisor on International Affairs Dr Gowher Rizvi and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam were present, among others.