TDS Desk:

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus called China to relocate some of its solar panel factories to Bangladesh in an effort to boost the country’s green transition and exports.

Dr Yunus made the call when Yao Wen, the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Bangladesh, called on the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna Sunday (25 August).

The chief adviser stressed close economic collaboration between Beijing and Dhaka and asked the Chinese investors to relocate their plants to Bangladesh.

He said China has emerged as one of the largest manufacturers of solar panels, but the country increasingly faced restrictions in the export market.

Chinese manufacturers “can relocate” solar panel factories to Bangladesh, which will help Bangladesh diversify exports and help transition into a green economy, the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate said.

He also called for increased imports of Bangladeshi goods to China to boost economic cooperation between the two nations. He called for technological transfer and increased collaboration in disaster management, education and farming.

Yao Wen conveyed greetings of the Chinese leadership and its people to Dr Muhammad Yunus on his assumption of the leadership of the Bangladesh Interim Government.

The ambassador said Beijing was ready to work with Dhaka and hoped that he would “fulfil expectations of a poverty-free Bangladesh”.

“The future of Bangladesh will be better and brighter under your leadership,” he told the chief adviser.

He said China and Bangladesh have recently upgraded their relationship to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” and added that both nations would celebrate the 50th year of diplomatic ties next year.

The ambassador said China would remain committed to finding a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis including a ceasefire in violence-torn Rakhine state in Myanmar.

Dr Yunus hoped that China would continue to provide political, financial and humanitarian assistance to more than one million Rohingya people living in Bangladesh.

The chief adviser also recalled his fond memories in China where several universities have set up Yunus Centres and many young people have formed Three Zero Clubs whose members commit zero contribution to climate change, zero wealth concentration and zero unemployment.

He emphasised youth-to-youth collaboration and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

During the meeting, the Chinese ambassador conveyed Chinese leaderships’ invitation to Dr Yunus to visit China at his convenience.

He said Bangladesh was at a crossroads, but “the people of Bangladesh will overcome the challenges.”

The Chinese ambassador handed over a cheque for $20,000 to the Flood Relief Fund of the chief adviser from the embassy.

He said the Chinese Red Cross would also donate $100,000 as humanitarian aid to Bangladesh’s flood-affected people.