Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday (21 April) reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with China, describing his recent visit to the country as a pivotal moment in the relationship.
“This is just the beginning. We are so close, yet so far. Let’s change that,” said Professor Yunus while welcoming Wang Yubo, governor of China’s Yunnan Province, on his maiden visit to Bangladesh.
Speaking at a high-level meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna, Yunus expressed hope that the Governor would return soon.
“We want to be good neighbours — but more importantly, very close neighbours.”
Reflecting on his recent trip to China, the chief adviser lauded the warm hospitality extended to him and expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Governor Wang Yubo responded warmly, noting, “My visit is aimed at further strengthening our bilateral relationship. Yunnan is ready to serve as China’s open hub for South Asia.”
Discussions between the two sides covered a range of collaborative initiatives, including youth exchange programmes, healthcare cooperation, education, and trade, according to a statement from the chief adviser’s press wing.
Governor Yubo highlighted the adoption of the microcredit system — pioneered by Professor Yunus — by a Chinese bank in Yunnan.
“Many people in China are benefiting from this approach,” he said, underlining the nations’ shared social priorities.
He also proposed expanding cooperation in vocational training, digital and language education, and promoting bilateral trade in sectors such as seafood, mango, and agricultural products.
“We should focus on people-to-people ties and bring our regions even closer,” said the governor.
Professor Yunus endorsed the proposals in full. “We agree on everything you said – from health and education to trade and training. We want to implement these things faster than ever. We want to become closer partners and true friends,” he said.
Healthcare emerged as a key area of focus, with the chief adviser thanking China for its support in launching medical tourism for Bangladeshi patients, including the designation of four hospitals in Kunming.
“This cooperation is a new chapter in our partnership,” he remarked.
Both parties underscored the importance of boosting educational exchanges.
Around 400 Bangladeshi students are currently studying in China, and Professor Yunus pledged to significantly increase that number.
“We will encourage more of our youth to study in China and learn the language,” he added.
Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the chief adviser reiterated Bangladesh’s aspiration to work more closely with China in tackling shared challenges and unlocking new avenues of prosperity.
The meeting was also attended by Senior Secretary and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.
