Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed strong support for Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, stating that his country will encourage Chinese investment in Bangladesh and take initiatives to relocate Chinese manufacturing plants to the South Asian nation.
The information was conveyed in a Facebook post by Shafiul Alam, the press secretary to the chief advisor of the interim government, following a bilateral meeting between President Xi Jinping and Professor Yunus in Beijing on Friday morning (March 28).
Successful Bilateral Meeting Held
Alam described the meeting between Professor Yunus, the chief advisor of the interim government, and President Xi Jinping as "very successful." He noted that the discussions were extensive, fruitful, and constructive, taking place in a cordial atmosphere.
This marks Professor Yunus's first bilateral foreign visit, which he considers highly successful so far.
China to Positively Consider Key Bangladeshi Issues
According to the press secretary, President Xi stated that China would adopt a positive stance on various important issues raised by Bangladesh, including reducing interest rates on Chinese loans and a proposal for cooperation in water resource management.
During the meeting, President Xi recalled his two previous visits to Bangladesh. He also mentioned conducting research on microcredit during his tenure as the Governor of Fujian province.
Appreciates Bangladeshi Fruits, Expects Increased Exports
President Xi also mentioned having tasted Bangladeshi mangoes and jackfruits, describing them as "very delicious." He expressed hope that Bangladesh would extensively export these two fruits to China in the coming months.
The bilateral meeting took place at 10:00 AM local time on Friday (March 28) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Following the meeting, Professor Yunus attended an "Investment Dialogue" with leading Chinese business figures at the Presidential Beijing.
Professor Yunus arrived in Beijing on Thursday (March 27) at 10:20 PM local time from China's Hainan province. He was received by Chinese Vice Minister Sun Weidong.
While in Hainan province, Professor Yunus had a busy schedule attending the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference.
Professor Yunus, the chief advisor, is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on March 29, concluding his four-day visit to China.
