UNB, Dhaka :China will assist Bangladesh in achieving the present government’s two targets-Vision-2021 to graduate to a middle-income nation and Vision-2041 to become a developed country.Visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Yangdong gave the assurance when she met President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on Monday, President’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim told UNB after the meeting.Appreciating China’s assistance in the ongoing projects, Abdul Hamid said Bangladesh wants support from China so that the pace of its socio-economic development gathers further momentum and substance.Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Yangdong said China wants to assist its neighbouring countries in their efforts to achieve economic development.The President appreciated the Chinese government’s assurance of buying large quantities of jute and jute products from Bangladesh in order to reduce the trade gap between the two countries.Recognising the trade imbalance between Bangladesh and China, the Chinese Vice-Premier said China is keen to invest in Bangladesh to set up factories for quality goods which will be exported to China. Abdul Hamid informed Liu Yangdong that Bangladesh has allocated 774 acres of land for the proposed Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone situated in Anwara upazila of Chittagong.Liu Yangdong said MoUs signed between the ministries and universities of the two countries would strengthen cooperation in the sectors concerned between the two countries.Abdul Hamid also appreciated the proactive role of China in advancing the BCIM initiative into the BCIM Economic Corridor, saying Bangladesh is keen to enhance connectivity in the region.The President welcomed the Chinese initiative to establish Silk Road Fund and hoped for funding of infrastructure projects in Bangladesh from the fund.He expressed confidence that her (Chinese vice-premier) visit to Bangladesh as part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries would further strengthen the existing bilateral relations.Referring to his and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visits to China last year, Abdul Hamid said the visits have further strengthened the bonds between the two countries.Yuan Guiren, Chinese Education Minister, Ma Mingqaing, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, Fazlul Karim, Bangladesh ambassador to China, and secretaries concerned to the President Office were present.
