The Chief Adviser has stated that the top priority is now to advance the plans, as he tells the Chinese envoy

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

During their discussions, they reviewed the outcomes of the Chief Adviser’s recent visit to China and outlined the next steps to deepen and accelerate Bangladesh-China cooperation.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to translating dialogue into tangible projects across key sectors such as infrastructure, trade, healthcare, education, and cultural exchange.

“Our immediate priority is to move forward with the plans discussed during the China visit,” said the Chief Adviser. “We’re determined to maintain the momentum.”

Ambassador Yao echoed this view, adding, “This is also our top priority. We had a high-level agenda in China and don’t want to wait another two to three years just to sign agreements—we’re ready to implement them now.”

Among the key projects discussed were the development of the Mongla and Anowara economic zones. According to BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, preparations are in progress, and the zones will be handed over to developers once they are ready for implementation.

The procurement of four vessels from China was also on the agenda. Sources from the Chief Adviser’s Office confirmed that the Chinese side has committed to completing the process by June this year.

Ambassador Yao also announced that China’s Commerce Minister will soon visit Bangladesh, accompanied by a 100-member investor delegation to explore new investment prospects.

“To support this, we plan to host a focused mini-investment summit for Chinese investors to promote targeted collaboration,” said BIDA Chairman Ashik.

Healthcare collaboration featured prominently in the talks. The Chinese delegation reaffirmed their commitment to constructing a 1,000-bed hospital in Bangladesh, as proposed during the Chief Adviser’s China visit. They also noted ongoing efforts to establish a specialised burn unit in Chittagong.

The Chinese Ambassador informed that work is underway to launch a direct Kunming–Chittagong flight, alongside expedited medical visa processing for Bangladeshi patients.

Cultural exchange was another highlight, with Prof Yunus proposing the establishment of a Chinese Cultural Centre and Language Institute to help young Bangladeshis engage more deeply with Chinese culture and language.

Both parties agreed to pursue a long-term, 50-year master plan on water management, with a focus on the Teesta River system.

The Chief Adviser also urged China to consider expanding jute imports from Bangladesh and called for increased investment in the locomotive sector. He proposed setting up locomotive manufacturing and maintenance hubs in Chattogram and Syedpur, supported by training programs and capacity-building workshops.

On the agricultural front, Bangladesh is set to begin exporting mangoes to China this season, with jackfruit exports to follow next year.

“I’ll personally send a basket of fresh mangoes to President Xi,” said Prof Yunus with a smile.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalliur Rahman, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Faiz Taieb, Cabinet Secretary Sirajuddin Mia, and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.