Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus met with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen on Saturday at the State Guest House Jamuna to review the outcomes of his recent official visit to China and to set a concrete course for deepening Bangladesh-China relations across critical sectors.

In a meeting marked by urgency and optimism, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to transforming high-level discussions into swift and tangible results in infrastructure, trade, healthcare, education, and cultural diplomacy, according to the Chief Adviser`s Press Wing.

“Our top priority now is to move forward with the plans we discussed during the China visit,” said the Chief Adviser. “We want to make sure momentum is not lost.”

Ambassador Yao Wen echoed the sentiment, emphasising China`s intent to shift from diplomacy to delivery.

“This is also our top priority. We had one of the highest-level agenda meetings in China, and we do not want to wait another two to three years just to sign agreements—we want to implement them quickly.”

Fast-tracking economic zones & maritime projects

Among the initiatives reviewed was the development of Mongla and Anwara economic zones. BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun confirmed that groundwork is underway and the zones will soon be handed over to Chinese developers.

A procurement plan for four new vessels from China was also on the agenda. The Chinese side assured that delivery will be completed by June this year, enhancing Bangladesh`s maritime capacity.

A new wave of Chinese investment

Ambassador Yao announced that China’s Commerce Minister will visit Bangladesh soon, leading a 100-member investment delegation exploring opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, and high-tech sectors.

“We will organise a mini investment summit focused on Chinese investors to strengthen sector-specific collaboration,” said BIDA Chairman Ashik.

Major healthcare projects move forward

Healthcare cooperation was a key highlight. China reaffirmed its commitment to building a 1,000-bed hospital in Bangladesh and advancing work on a specialised burn unit in Chattogram, projects initially proposed during Professor Yunus’s China visit.

Efforts are also underway to launch a direct Kunming–Chattogram flight and streamline medical visa processing for Bangladeshi patients seeking care in China.

Expanding cultural & educational ties

Professor Yunus proposed the establishment of a Chinese Cultural Centre and Language Institute to foster greater cultural exchange and empower Bangladeshi youth with Chinese language skills and cultural literacy.

Both sides also reaffirmed support for a long-term, 50-year master plan on water management, including collaborative work on the Teesta River system—a key area of transboundary interest.

Trade, locomotives & agriculture on the table

The Chief Adviser advocated for expanded jute exports and proposed joint ventures in locomotive manufacturing and maintenance, with hubs in Chattogram and Syedpur, supported by capacity-building and technical training.

In a sign of warming agro-economic ties, Bangladesh will begin exporting mangoes to China this season, with jackfruit exports set to follow next year.

“I’ll send a basket of fresh mangoes to President Xi myself,” said the Chief Adviser with a smile.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalliur Rahman, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Special Assistant Faiz Taiyeb, Cabinet Secretary Sirajuddin Mia, and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.