Bangladesh Seeks China's Support for Garment Sector and Medical Cooperation

Image credits: Collected

Bangladesh has sought China's support in establishing facilities for producing raw materials for the garment sector to reduce the costs of RMG products. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan made the remarks during a meeting with the Chinese Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Sun Haiyan. He emphasized the need for China's assistance in setting up the industry in Bangladesh, which would enable the country to produce raw materials for finished garment products and supply them at a highly competitive price. Dr Moyeen also proposed broader areas of cooperation, including the development of Bangladesh's AI industry and the establishment of an electric vehicle production factory.

The Chinese Vice Minister met a unique Bangladeshi delegation comprising leaders from eight political parties, students, scholars, and journalists at the IDCPC office in Beijing. Dr Moyeen recalled that during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Bangladesh eight years ago, he had promised substantial economic support for the country. However, the previous government could only utilize 25-30 percent of the financial support promised by the Chinese President over the past eight years. The BNP leader expressed his heartfelt gratitude to China for its cooperation with Bangladesh, particularly in three major areas: the China-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge, support for Bangladesh's garment sector, and the reconstruction of the country's military after the liberation war.

In a separate development, three top-tier hospitals in China's Yunnan province have been designated to receive Bangladeshi patients specifically. Relevant departments from both countries are working to improve medical service mechanisms, including streamlining visa procedures, clarifying treatment processes, and establishing translation teams. The first group of Bangladeshi patients could receive treatment in China as early as March this year, according to the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka. China is also awaiting a detailed proposal from Bangladesh regarding the establishment of a Bangladesh-China friendship hospital in Dhaka, which was proposed by the foreign affairs adviser during a recent trip to China.

The Chinese ambassador also announced that China will be supplying specialized modern equipment for the treatment and rehabilitation of those injured in the July-August uprising. Some 20 modern robot-controlled medical equipment are scheduled to reach Dhaka early next month. The ambassador noted that China wants to see stability, unity, and development in Bangladesh and seeks to maintain good relations with all political parties in the country. The medical cooperation between the two countries is expected to strengthen their bilateral relations and provide better healthcare services to the people of Bangladesh.

In terms of the timeline of events, the key milestones include: * A meeting between Dr Moyeen Khan and the Chinese Vice Minister to discuss cooperation in the garment sector and other areas * A proposal for the establishment of a Bangladesh-China friendship hospital in Dhaka * The designation of three Chinese hospitals to receive Bangladeshi patients * The scheduled supply of modern medical equipment to Dhaka * The potential visit of the first group of Bangladeshi patients to China in March. The cooperation between Bangladesh and China is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and healthcare sector, and the two countries are likely to strengthen their bilateral relations in the coming months.