Bangladesh is eyeing expanded cooperation with China across multiple sectors, particularly healthcare technology and infrastructure, a Bangladeshi official said on Friday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing six-day 10th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming City, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Kayser Kamal, deputy speaker of the National Parliament of Bangladesh, described the expo as essential for forging stronger economic ties between China and South Asian countries.
"The 10th summit (expo) is kind of a landmark not only for China, but for South Asia as well, because our South Asian nations and China, if we work together, we can build a new region which is necessary, and in terms of business, in terms of investment, in terms of the quality of product that South Asian people need. So, it's very much essential to have some kind of exposition so that our products can be shown in your market. At the same time, entrepreneurs, those coming from Bangladesh to here, they can get a chance to see your products as well," Kamal said.
As Bangladesh advances its industrialization and economic transformation agenda, Kamal identified multiple sectors with strong potential for deeper cooperation with China.
"Basically, not only one sector, we need Chinese assistance and help in various sectors, for example, energy sector, solar panel, road infrastructure. As you know, China is a long-standing trusted friend for Bangladesh. So, we believe if Chinese investment goes there and do some investment in various sectors, for example, in medical, technology, AI. For example, today we went to hospital and we have seen this robotic surgery so that has never been happening in Bangladesh. And this robotic surgery, for example, if a patient in Dhaka, surgery can be conducted from here in Kunming. So, this kind of initiative, innovation will be very much useful for Bangladesh as well," said the Bangladeshi official.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Bangladesh's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. Kamal said the initiative has brought tangible benefits not only to Bangladesh, but to the wider region.
"This initiative will benefit not only Bangladesh, but the whole region. For example, if a road is constructed from Kunming through Myanmar to Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, and Chittagong, it will give us ample opportunities to transport additional of goods, vehicles, and everything. It will bring more closer, as I put that neighboring countries should be close friends. Friendship starts from people to people. Since there are lack of facilities in Bangladesh in terms of medical treatment, and the modern technology. Therefore, if Chinese government, particularly Yunnan Province, invests more in Bangladesh in terms of medical facilities, it will be very useful and very helpful to build a special relationship of people to people," said Kamal.
Bangladesh seeks deeper ties with China in healthcare, infrastructure: official
