Beijing Proposes Bangladesh-Myanmar-China Economic Corridor
Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Photo: PMO
China has proposed the creation of an economic corridor linking Bangladesh, Myanmar and China, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin said following talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Speaking at a news conference after the bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday morning, Amin said the proposal was discussed as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional connectivity.
He said the proposed economic corridor aims to expand Bangladesh’s economy, increase trade and enhance multimodal transportation links among the three countries.
According to Amin, China also expressed interest in modernizing Chattogram Port and developing it into a regional logistics hub capable of serving not only Bangladesh but other countries in the region.
He said the two sides also discussed upgrading Mongla Port to improve its efficiency and strengthen its role as a service-oriented port.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met President Xi on the final day of his Beijing visit at the Great Hall of the People, where the two leaders held talks on a wide range of bilateral issues.
Amin said both countries emphasized strengthening people-to-people ties through greater cooperation in culture, media, technology, knowledge exchange and job creation.
He said Bangladesh is prioritizing Mandarin as a third language in its education system, along with expanding technical and vocational education. China expressed its willingness to provide teacher training and the necessary infrastructure to support those initiatives.
The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in the health sector. According to Amin, China is interested in supporting Bangladesh in robotic surgery, modern hospital construction and advanced medical technologies. Beijing also expressed interest in simplifying the medical visa process for Bangladeshi patients.
On the Rohingya issue, Bangladesh reiterated its position in favor of the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. China assured Bangladesh that it would help facilitate dialogue with Myanmar to support the repatriation process.
Amin also said the two countries agreed in principle to launch a ‘Two Plus Two’ dialogue for the first time, bringing together officials from their foreign and defense ministries for regular consultations. Work is underway to finalize the framework for the mechanism.
He said China reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaders also discussed Bangladesh’s potential membership in BRICS. Amin said China would welcome Bangladesh’s application should the country decide to seek membership in the future.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met President Xi Jinping on Friday morning at the Great Hall of the People, where the two leaders discussed a broad range of bilateral issues as part of the prime minister’s final day in Beijing.
