Visiting Yunnan Province Governor Li Jiheng on Sunday underlined the need for having more cooperation between Kunming and Chittagong, and sought Bangladesh’s cooperation under the Sister City Agreement signed in 2005 to strengthen ties in the areas of trade and investment.
The issue came up for discussion at a meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam held at the latter’s office where they discussed various issues of mutual interest.
The State Minister appreciated Jiheng’s proposal and said it was very important to establish direct air and road links between the two cities to utilise full potentials of the two sister cities, according to a Foreign Ministry media release.
He also expressed Bangladesh’s optimism that business and people-to-people contact would be enhanced manifold between Bangladesh and Yunnan Province under the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor framework.
About investment, Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh has started the process of allocating land for a Chinese Exclusive Economic Zone, and hoped that this would enhance the prospect of more Chinese investment inflow.
Thanking the Governor for inviting him to attend the second China-South Asia Exposition in Kunming, the State Minister said Bangladesh was looking forward to participating in the expo in a big way this year.
He hoped that the traditional friendship with China and particularly with its Yunnan Province would be enhanced with new enthusiasm generated regarding the formation of BCIM-Economic Corridor. The junior minister highly appreciated the role of Yunnan Province in bringing about optimum changes in people’s lives and livelihoods. He assured the visiting Governor of sharing the best practices of Dhaka and Kunming for mutual benefits of the two friendly people.
The Governor also assured the State Minister of considering its operation of direct flight between Kunming and Chittagong. Jiheng also met Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and Communications Minister Obaidul Quader in the afternoon and discussed ways of enhancing trade and connectivity.
The Governor is also expected to meet the President and members of the FBCCI on Monday prior to leaving Dhaka. The six-member delegation, led by Jiheng, arrived here on a three-day official visit to Bangladesh on Saturday night.
