China and Bangladesh have taken a significant step forward in strengthening their economic ties by completing a joint feasibility study on a free-trade agreement (FTA). This milestone paves the way for the two nations to begin negotiations aimed at upgrading their existing bilateral investment agreement.
The announcement came after a high-level meeting in Beijing between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. During the meeting, both leaders signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents covering areas such as policy exchange, economy, trade and investment, digital economy, inspection and quarantine, health care, education, and media.
Looking ahead, the leaders designated 2025 as the China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchange Year, underscoring their commitment to deepening cultural and social ties.
Premier Li emphasized China’s readiness to align its development strategies with Bangladesh’s, highlighting opportunities in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, infrastructure development, and the promotion of bilateral trade. He also mentioned China’s support for Chinese enterprises operating in Bangladesh, aiming to enhance the resilience and safety of industrial and supply chains.
Prime Minister Hasina expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing support and highlighted China’s development achievements as a model for other developing countries. She reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for the one-China policy and its commitment to maintaining closer high-level exchanges with China as they approach the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year.
Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in governance, economy, trade, infrastructure, and finance, and to continue active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. Their collaboration aims to foster all-round development of bilateral relations and contribute to global peace and stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
