Bangladesh has called upon China to consider relocating some of its solar panel manufacturing facilities to the country as part of efforts to enhance the nation's green economy and expand export opportunities.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus made the appeal during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador of Bangladesh Yao Wen at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday (25 August).
He also underscored the importance of close economic collaboration between Beijing and Dhaka, urging Chinese investors to consider Bangladesh as a viable destination for relocating their solar panel plants.
"China has become one of the world's largest producers of solar panels," Professor Yunus noted, "but the country is increasingly facing restrictions in its export markets."
He suggested that relocating these factories to Bangladesh would not only aid in diversifying the nation's exports but also significantly contribute to its transition towards a green economy.
Professor Yunus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, also called for an increase in imports of Bangladeshi goods into China to further economic cooperation. He emphasised the need for technology transfer and enhanced collaboration in disaster management, education, and agriculture.
In response, Ambassador Yao Wen conveyed the greetings of China's leadership and people to Professor Yunus on his recent assumption of leadership of the interim government.
The envoy expressed Beijing's readiness to work closely with Dhaka, expressing hope that Professor Yunus would "fulfil the expectations of a poverty-free Bangladesh."
He added, "The future of Bangladesh will be better and brighter under your leadership."
Ambassador Yao Wen highlighted the recent upgrade in relations between China and Bangladesh to a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership," and noted that both nations would mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
He also reaffirmed China's commitment to finding a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis, including efforts to secure a ceasefire in the violence-stricken Rakhine state of Myanmar.
Professor Yunus expressed his hope that China would continue to provide political, financial, and humanitarian assistance to the more than one million Rohingya refugees currently residing in Bangladesh.
He also reminisced about his fond memories of China, where several universities have established Yunus Centres and where many young people have formed "Three Zero Clubs," dedicated to the goals of zero contribution to climate change, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment.
The chief adviser emphasised the importance of youth-to-youth collaboration and stronger people-to-people connections between the two countries.
During the meeting, Ambassador Yao extended an invitation from the Chinese leadership for Professor Yunus to visit China at his convenience.
As a gesture of goodwill, the Chinese Ambassador presented a cheque for $20,000 to the Flood Relief Fund of the Chief Adviser on behalf of the Chinese embassy.
He further announced that the Chinese Red Cross would donate an additional $100,000 in humanitarian aid to support the flood-affected people of Bangladesh.
