Touhid stresses China鈥檚 role in resolving Rohingya crisis
Bangladesh interim government鈥檚 foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain during a bilateral visit to China on Thursday urged an electric vehicle manufacturer to consider establishing a plant in Bangladesh.
He made the request while visiting a high-tech electric vehicle manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Shanghai where he was given a tour of the plant鈥檚 production line manufacturing around 500 EV units a day, said a foreign ministry press release issued from Shanghai.
The adviser urged the Chinese company to consider establishing such a plant in Bangladesh, it added.
Earlier on the day, he delivered a keynote address on 鈥極ur shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity鈥� at a seminar in the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies.
Referring to the Rohingya crisis, Touhid Hossain in the keynote address stressed creating a congenial atmosphere in the Rakhine state for return of the Rohingyas.
鈥楤oth Bangladesh and China have vital interests in resolution of the conflict, and we must cooperate wholeheartedly in bringing about the resolution,鈥� the foreign affairs adviser said.
In order to realise the shared vision, he underscored the need for working towards strengthening multilateral institutions, expanding investments, deepening people-to-people exchange and championing global trade system, according to the release.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Chen Dongxiao, president of Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, highlighting the historic and evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China.
He expressed optimism about the event鈥檚 contribution to enhancing academic and research collaborations between the two countries and their role in furthering global peace and stability.
In his keynote address, Touhid outlined a forward-looking vision for global peace, emphasising the significant role of economic cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable development and stability.
Highlighting the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and China that dated back to ancient times, he said that that relationship evolved into a dynamic partnership through different mechanisms, including the Belt and Road Initiatives.
The Bangladesh foreign adviser also underscored the transformative role of China鈥檚 development assistance and investments in Bangladesh鈥檚 various sectors significantly contributing to the country鈥檚 socio-economic development.
He also drew attention to the importance of narrowing trade gaps and fostering regional connectivity to promote equitable growth.
Reflecting on global challenges, the adviser noted that peace and security were collective responsibilities that demand inclusive economic frameworks and greater emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups, particularly the youth and women.
The seminar brought together scholars, diplomats, government officials, young researchers, media representatives, senior leadership and experts of the institute and officials from the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office.
Touhid Hossain also exchanged views with a delegation from the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce on Wednesday evening.
During the discussion, they focused on relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, particularly to the Chinese SEZ in Chattogram, establishing air connectivity between Chattogram and Shanghai, and exchange and collaboration between the two chambers.
The foreign affairs adviser is scheduled to return home today concluding his five-day official visit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart.
