Bangladesh-China Seminar Highlights Shared Vision for Peace, Stability, Prosperity

Visiting Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain delivered a keynote address at a seminar in the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) this morning. The seminar titled "Our Shared Vision for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity" reflected on the common vision of Bangladesh and China for a secure and better world. The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Chen Dongxiao, President of SIIS, who highlighted the historic and evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China. He expressed optimism about the event’s contribution to enhancing academic and research collaborations between China and Bangladesh, and the role of the two countries to furthering global peace and stability.

In his keynote address, Adviser Hossain outlined a forward-looking vision for global peace, emphasizing the significant role of economic cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable development and stability. He highlighted the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and China, which date back to ancient times and the evolution of the relationship into a dynamic partnership through different mechanisms including the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI). He underscored the transformative role of China's development assistance and investments in Bangladesh’s various sectors which have significantly contributed to the country’s socio-economic development. He also drew attention to the importance of narrowing trade gaps and fostering regional connectivity to promote equitable growth.

Reflecting on global challenges, Foreign Adviser Hossain noted that peace and security are collective responsibilities that demand inclusive economic frameworks and greater emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups, particularly the youth and women. He highlighted Bangladesh’s successful social initiatives, such as microcredit programs, pioneered by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Government, which have empowered rural women and fostered social harmony and called for similar transformative efforts to uplift the youth.

Referring to the Rohingya crisis, Adviser Hossain stressed creating a congenial atmosphere in Rakhine State for the return of the Rohingyas. “Both Bangladesh and China have vital interests in the resolution of the conflict, and we must cooperate wholeheartedly in bringing about the resolution”- he stated. To realize the shared vision, he underscored the need for working towards strengthening multilateral institutions, expanding investments, deepening people-to-people exchange and championing the global trade system.

The event brought together a distinguished group of participants, including scholars, diplomats, government officials, young researchers, media representatives, senior leadership and experts of SIIS, and officials from the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office. The program featured speeches from key participants, including remarks by Dr. Yang Jiemian, Director of the Academic Advisory Board at SIIS, and presentations by six renowned experts. These experts shared insights on topics ranging from economic globalisation to regional stability, triggering rich discussions during the interactive session that followed. The event concluded with closing remarks by Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md. Nazmul Islam and the President of SIIS.

Foreign Adviser Hossain also visited a high-tech electric vehicle manufacturing plant in the outskirt of Shanghai where he witnessed the production line of electric vehicles. The plant produces around 500 EV units a day. He urged the Chinese company to consider establishing such a plant in Bangladesh.

The acting Mayor of Shanghai also met Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today. During the meeting, both of them underscored the need for enhanced business-to-business and people-to-people engagements between Dhaka and Shanghai. The Acting Mayor extended an invitation to Bangladesh to participate in the “Shanghai Tourism Festival” to be held this year. Adviser Hossain conveyed Bangladesh’s interest in participating in the festival. The meeting ended with a lunch hosted by the Acting Mayor of Shanghai in honour of the Foreign Adviser and his delegation.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain also exchanged views with a delegation from the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce yesterday evening. During the discussion, they focused on the relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, particularly to the Chinese SEZ in Chattogram, establishing air connectivity between Chattogram and Shanghai, and exchange and collaboration between the two Chambers.