Dr. Yunus emphasizes the importance of viewing China as a strong and friendly partner for Bangladesh

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, emphasized the significance of viewing China as a close and trusted partner. He highlighted the long-standing strength of bilateral ties between Bangladesh and China, particularly in trade and economic cooperation. "Our relationship has been robust for many years. Our business connections are strong, and we greatly benefit from our collaboration with China," he stated.

In an exclusive interview with Chinese news agency Xinhua, Dr. Yunus expressed his hope that China-Bangladesh relations would reach new heights. He noted that the people of Bangladesh draw inspiration from China’s remarkable achievements. Discussing the role of the interim government, he stressed its commitment to rebuilding Bangladesh and learning from China’s development experience.

Dr. Yunus also praised China’s approach to poverty alleviation, noting that while most countries prioritize GDP growth, China has focused on uplifting low-income groups. "This is why China has been highly successful in rapidly reducing poverty," he remarked.

Economic ties between Bangladesh and China have grown significantly in recent years, with China serving as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. Presently, around 1,000 Chinese companies operate in Bangladesh, creating over 550,000 jobs. Dr. Yunus acknowledged the extensive cooperation between the two nations, stating, "Bangladesh’s imports from China are increasing, and most of our industrial products originate from China."

Looking ahead, Dr. Yunus emphasized the complementary nature of the two economies and the vast potential for further collaboration. He encouraged more Chinese investment in Bangladesh, particularly through partnerships with local businesses to expand market opportunities. He also highlighted a recent initiative where Bangladeshi patients, doctors, and travel agencies visited Kunming, China, to explore medical tourism opportunities. "Bangladesh can learn from China to develop a better healthcare system for its people," he said.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, a milestone also celebrated as the golden jubilee of their friendship. Dr. Yunus reflected on the historical ties between the two nations, citing the travels of Chinese scholar Xuanzang to Bangladesh and the contributions of Bengali Buddhist scholar Atish Dipankar in China. He noted that this shared history has provided a strong foundation for continued bilateral growth.

"Bangladesh benefits immensely from its cooperation with China," Dr. Yunus asserted. "Together, we can not only build a fast-growing economy but also create an inclusive economic model where everyone participates." He expressed his aspiration for deeper cooperation beyond economics, extending into cultural exchanges.

Describing the past 50 years of Bangladesh-China relations as remarkable, Dr. Yunus looked forward to an even more promising future. "The next 50 years will be even more exciting," he stated, underscoring the need for ongoing collaboration. "We aim to move forward together, sharing knowledge and experiences to achieve our collective goals," he concluded.