Bangladesh, China Discuss Energy Cooperation and Women’s Empowerment

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at her office in Dhaka on Monday, with the two sides discussing bilateral cooperation in energy, infrastructure, education and women’s empowerment.

During the meeting, Shama Obaed recalled Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s successful visit to China and expressed appreciation for Beijing’s continued support for Bangladesh’s development, particularly in infrastructure, human development and capacity building, according to a Foreign Ministry press release.

Ambassador Yao Wen reaffirmed China’s commitment to Bangladesh as a trusted friend and partner, highlighting the significant progress achieved in bilateral relations in recent years.

The two sides exchanged views on various areas of mutual interest, including the Bangladesh-China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, the Chinese Economic Zone, development of Mongla port, the proposed 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur, education and human-resource development, people-to-people exchanges, and energy cooperation, including renewable energy.

They also discussed ways to promote women’s empowerment. During the meeting, Ambassador Yao invited Shama Obaed to visit China at a mutually convenient time, leading a delegation of Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs.

The state minister warmly welcomed the invitation and appreciated the initiative.