China has assured full support for Bangladesh’s interim government as both countries commit to further strengthening their bilateral relationship. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Thursday, held on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia in the coastal city of Hainan.

Vice Premier Ding emphasized the importance President Xi Jinping places on Dr. Yunus’s visit and expressed optimism for Bangladesh’s development under his leadership. Dr. Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the One-China policy and highlighted the country's pride in being the first South Asian nation to join the Belt and Road Initiative.

During the meeting, Bangladesh sought greater Chinese assistance in development and livelihood improvement projects, including a request to lower interest rates on Chinese loans from 3% to between 1% and 2%. Bangladesh also appealed for the waiver of commitment fees on Chinese-funded projects.

Dr. Yunus called for China’s cooperation in relocating industries such as garments, electric vehicles, light machinery, high-tech electronics, chip production, and solar panel manufacturing to Bangladesh.

Vice Premier Ding confirmed that Bangladesh would retain duty-free and quota-free access to the Chinese market until 2028, extending two years beyond its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. He also expressed China’s interest in initiating free trade agreement negotiations and confirmed financial support for the modernization of Mongla Port and the Dasherkandi sewage treatment project.

He noted that a protocol signed last year allows mango exports from Bangladesh to China starting this summer, and Beijing is also interested in importing jackfruit, guava, and other aquatic products to help address the trade imbalance between the two nations.

The Vice Premier stated that Chinese universities would increase scholarship offerings for Bangladeshi students, adding to the thousands already studying in China.

He also announced financial support for the purchase of four oceangoing vessels for Bangladesh’s state-owned shipping corporation and reaffirmed China’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar to resolve the Rohingya crisis.

Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude for China’s continued support and described the meeting as a milestone in the growing Bangladesh-China partnership. He called for joint efforts to usher in a new era of strategic cooperation and enduring friendship between the two nations.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid Hossain, Energy Advisor Fawzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to the Chief Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, and BIDA Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury.