Sheikh Hasina's forthcoming China visit will be a game-changer in Dhaka-Beijing ties
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to China is expected to mark a significant milestone in Bangladesh-China relations, according to Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen.
'This visit will be a historic event and a game-changer, opening a new chapter,' Ambassador Yao stated during a seminar on yesterday.
Ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen is already in Beijing for bilateral discussions with his Chinese counterpart. He is scheduled to meet with Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong on June 3, according to a senior official.
PM Hasina's official visit to China is anticipated to take place before July 15.
Ambassador Yao highlighted that the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between Dhaka and Beijing could help reduce inflation in Bangladesh by lowering tariffs on goods imported from China, thereby decreasing import prices.
He affirmed Beijing's readiness to collaborate with Bangladesh to finalize the feasibility study of the China-Bangladesh FTA soon. China aims to officially commence negotiations this year, with the goal of concluding them by 2026, paving the way for a bilateral free trade zone.
'The early signing of the China-Bangladesh FTA will undoubtedly inaugurate a new chapter of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, heralding a golden era of economic and trade relations between China and Bangladesh,' said the ambassador.
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