CA Yunus departs for China, aiming to elevate Dhaka-Beijing relations to new heights

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus embarked on a four-day official visit to China on Wednesday, aiming to further strengthen Bangladesh-China relations.

A special China Southern flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his delegation departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1 PM. Accompanying him are Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain; Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser; Road Transport and Bridges Adviser; Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan; High Representative to the Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman; Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed; and CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Upon arrival at Qionghai Bo'ao International Airport at around 7 PM, he will be received by Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam and the Vice Governor of Hainan Province, a senior official confirmed to UNB.

Ahead of the visit, Dr. Yunus stated, "I will meet with President Xi Jinping and CEOs of major Chinese businesses."

The bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Yunus and President Xi will take place at the Great Hall of the People on March 28. Addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, Dr. Yunus mentioned that Longji, the world’s largest Chinese solar panel manufacturer, has shown interest in establishing a factory in Bangladesh. Discussions will also cover technical assistance, medical aid, affordable healthcare, and expanding trade opportunities, including China’s interest in importing mangoes, jackfruit, and guava from Bangladesh.

Several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed in areas such as human resource development, economic and technical assistance, cultural and sports cooperation, and media collaboration. Additionally, key announcements on economic investment and special economic zones are anticipated, according to Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin.

Discussions will encompass strategic bilateral issues, trade and investment, agricultural cooperation, infrastructure development, renewable energy initiatives, and the Rohingya crisis. The Foreign Secretary emphasized China’s role as Bangladesh’s closest neighbor, strategic partner, and a key trade and development ally. He highlighted that both nations are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations, and this visit is set to add further momentum to bilateral ties.

During his visit, the Chief Adviser will participate in roundtable discussions on Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment, Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities, and Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship, and the World of Three Zeros.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen described the visit as "highly significant, productive, and a milestone event." He emphasized that this is the most important visit by a Bangladeshi leader in five decades, with a strong focus on relocating Chinese factories to Bangladesh to boost manufacturing, create employment, and expand exports.

Dr. Yunus’ itinerary includes attending the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province. On March 27, he will join the inaugural plenary session of the BFA and meet with the Executive Vice President of the State Council.

On March 29, the Chief Adviser will participate in a program at Peking University before returning to Dhaka later that night.

Ambassador Yao Wen reiterated China’s commitment to its longstanding relationship with Bangladesh, emphasizing that their cooperation transcends political changes and is dedicated to the mutual benefit of both nations.

BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun stated that the forum’s theme, "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future," will emphasize development, foster dialogue, and explore innovative solutions for global cooperation. The conference will focus on trust-building, inclusive globalization, accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and advancing AI applications for innovation-driven growth.

The forum will host numerous international and regional organization leaders, ministerial-level officials, Fortune Global 500 entrepreneurs, and prominent scholars, all coming together to address pressing global challenges and reinforce multilateral collaboration.