China has proposed the establishment of a Bangladesh–Myanmar–China Economic Corridor, a plan aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and economic integration. The proposal was discussed during bilateral talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, alongside broader cooperation on port development, education, healthcare, defense, transportation, and the Rohingya crisis.
The details were shared by Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, at a press briefing held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse following the leaders’ meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday.
According to the spokesperson, connectivity was a key focus of the discussions. Beijing proposed an economic corridor stretching from Bangladesh through Myanmar to China. If implemented, the corridor is expected to expand Bangladesh’s economic opportunities, facilitate international trade and cargo transportation, and strengthen multimodal transport networks across the region.
Mahdi Amin said China also expressed strong interest in supporting the modernization of Chattogram Port, with the goal of transforming it into a major regional hub for transit and trade that would benefit not only Bangladesh but also neighboring countries. Beijing also signaled its willingness to assist in upgrading Mongla Port to enhance its efficiency, capacity, and service standards.
The two sides also agreed to deepen people-to-people exchanges, with plans to expand cooperation in culture, media, technology, knowledge sharing, and employment generation.
On education, the spokesperson said China is prepared to support the promotion of Mandarin as a third language in Bangladesh by providing teachers and necessary infrastructure. Beijing also pledged assistance in strengthening technical and vocational education and training.
In the healthcare sector, China expressed interest in expanding cooperation in advanced medical services, including robotic surgery, hospital development, and simplifying visa procedures to enable more Bangladeshi patients to receive treatment in China.
Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Mahdi Amin reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of displaced Rohingya to Myanmar. He said China has offered to play a mediating role in facilitating dialogue with Myanmar if required.
The two countries also reached a policy-level understanding to establish regular dialogues on foreign affairs and defense cooperation. In addition, the spokesperson noted that China views Bangladesh’s interest in joining BRICS positively.
Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humayun Kabir and Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony were also present at the press conference.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office.