Diplomatic Correspondent

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of China, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday said a nation will prosper only when its young people thrive.

"Young people are the most energetic and full of dreams. Youth are the hope and will be the leaders of the future," he said.

The ambassador said youth are living in a remarkable time, and enjoy a promising prospect to fulfill their dreams. “I expect the young people to devote themselves to China-Bangladesh cooperation, passing the torch of friendship from generation to generation.”

Next year is also “China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges”.

"We will come out with dozens of functions in the sectors of political exchange, economic and trade cooperation, culture, education, tourism, sports, public health, youth, women, media, academic interactions," said Ambassador Yao.

"All the celebrations aim at improving the friendly relations between us, delivering more benefits to the peoples of both countries, especially the young people," he said.

Commerce and Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed joined the reception as the chief guest. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin was also present.

China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners.

"Our bilateral relations are based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, with full respect to the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity of Bangladesh," said Ambassador Yao.

He said they believe no one but the Bangladeshi people have the right to choose their path of development. "No matter what changes have taken place inside Bangladesh, China’s commitment to develop our bilateral relations remains unchanged."

China sincerely hopes that under the leadership of the interim government, Bangladesh will carry out state reform, maintain political stability, advance economic development and improve people’s livelihood.

To support the development of Bangladesh, he said, China will unilaterally open its market and decided to grant zero-tariff treatment on 100% of taxable items to Bangladesh, which means China will substantially increase import of cereals, sugar, edible oil, rubber and rubber products, wood products, jute and jute products, paper and paper products,wool and cotton from Bangladesh from December 1, 2024.

China will also import Bangladeshi mangoes.

To combat the flood, China is about to provide rescue facilities and equipment to Bangladesh.

During the last one and a half months since the establishment of the interim government, the Chinese enterprises have invested more than 85 millions US dollars, demonstrating the confidence China holds for the future development of Bangladesh and relations between the two countries.

"I also want to stress that at the request of the Interim Government, China has sent the National Emergency Medical Team to provide assistance in treatment of those injured in the recent uprising. They are all top medical experts in China from West China Hospital. Today we are honored to have them attend our celebration," said the ambassador.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh.

"China is looking forward to working closely with Bangladesh to cement our traditional friendship, deepen friendly exchanges and mutually-beneficial cooperation in various areas, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and further advance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new height," he said.