Staff Correspondent

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain departed today for China on his first bilateral official trip, aiming to forge a new dimension of Dhaka-Beijing relations.

The five-day official visit will focus on lowering interest rates on loans, exchanging hydrological information, advancing medical treatment cooperation, and encouraging greater Chinese involvement in resolving the Myanmar situation.

Invited by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, this visit-described as a "very important first bilateral visit" since the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus assumed office in August last year-is viewed as a pivotal step in strengthening ties with Beijing, according to foreign relations experts.

Touhid is set to hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing on Tuesday.

Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Yao Wen has hinted that Beijing is ready to sign an implementation plan on hydrological information exchange, fulfilling a previous request from Dhaka.

Discussions on China's potential role in Bangladesh's crucial Teesta River project are also expected to feature prominently during the visit.

The adviser's decision to prioritize China for his first bilateral visit marks a significant shift from previous governments, where foreign ministers often opted for India as their initial destination due to geographical and political considerations.

Beyond official talks with the Chinese foreign minister, the adviser is scheduled to meet with Chinese Communist Party leaders and deliver speeches at the China Institute of International Studies and the Shanghai Institute of International Studies, apart from engaging with business representatives in Shanghai to attract Chinese investments in Bangladesh, according to foreign ministry officials.

On Sunday, Chinese Ambassador Yao briefed the foreign adviser on key issues for the visit.

The envoy reaffirmed China's respect for Bangladesh's sovereignty and territorial integrity, reiterating support for the country's stability, reforms, democratic transition, and development initiatives.

Economic and Development Cooperation

China has been a major investor in Bangladesh, particularly in infrastructure projects, with varying interest rates on loans.

Key priorities for the visit include renegotiating loan terms, such as reducing interest rates from the current 2-3% to 1%, waiving commitment fees, and extending grace periods from 15 years to 30 years, according to a foreign office official here.

Duty-free access for Bangladeshi products following its graduation from the least-developed country (LDC) bracket in 2026, as well as increased Chinese investment and higher exports to China will also be pursued.

"Economic issues will dominate the discussions. Bangladesh's trade and economic relations with China are vital," Touhid said at a pre-departure briefing last week.

He added, "We will explore how China can provide budgetary support and accelerate loan disbursements for various projects in Bangladesh."

A formal request will also be made to fully waive commitment fees, Touhid said.

Celebrating 50 Years of Dhaka-Beijing Relations

The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of Dhaka-Beijing diplomatic ties, as China recognized Bangladesh on August 31, 1975. Both countries have planned year-long celebratory events to commemorate this milestone.

During the visit, announcements regarding these 50th-anniversary programs are anticipated.
The foreign adviser said the trip would enhance mutual understanding, friendship, and a vibrant partnership between the two nations, advancing strategic and technical cooperation.

Focus on the Rohingya Issue

China has long been playing a mediating role in the Rohingya crisis between Bangladesh and Myanmar, although no resolution has been achieved. The Rohingya issue is expected to be a major topic of discussion during this visit.

Touhid informed the Chinese envoy on Sunday that Dhaka anticipates a "very strong" and "proactive" role from China in facilitating the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, where they were forced to flee persecution.

Health Cooperation

The foreign adviser is expected to request that China designate at least three to four top-tier hospitals in Kunming, close to Bangladesh, for improved medical treatment of Bangladeshi citizens.

Hossain also indicated that Bangladesh is prepared to provide land and logistical support for establishing a full-fledged tertiary-level Chinese hospital in Purbachal, on the outskirts of Dhaka.

Addressing Trade Imbalance

China remains Bangladesh's largest trading partner, with imports from China amounting to $24 billion annually, compared to exports of only $670 million.

Despite 100% duty-free access to the Chinese market, Bangladesh's exports remain low, resulting in a significant trade imbalance.

Addressing this disparity will be a key agenda item during the adviser's discussions in Beijing, said the officials familiar with the visit.