Joint Statement
between the People's Republic of China and the People's Republic of Bangladesh
on Deepening the Closer Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation
1. At the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the People's Republic of Bangladesh paid an official visit to China from 6 to 11 June 2014. During the visit, President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China met with Prime Minister Hasina; Premier Li Keqiang held official talks with Prime Minister Hasina; and Mr. Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference met with Prime Minister Hasina. The two sides had in-depth discussions on wide ranging issues of mutual interest, including China-Bangladesh relations and international and regional issues. Prime Minister Hasina also attended the opening ceremony of the Second China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, Yunnan Province.
2. Recalling the traditional friendship and long-standing relations and engagements between China and Bangladesh, the two sides re-affirmed their support to each other based on the principles of peace, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, mutual trust and respect, mutual interest and equitable sharing of mutual benefits. The Bangladeshi side reaffirmed its support to the 'one China' policy. The Chinese side expressed its appreciation for that. The Chinese side expressed its support to the efforts of Bangladesh in upholding national and regional peace, stability and progress.
3.The two sides viewed each other's development as opportunities to further expand and raise the closer comprehensive partnership of cooperation between the two countries to a newer height. In this regard, the two sides agreed to explore further avenues and opportunities for cooperation.
4. The two sides agreed to sustain the momentum of high-level interactions and engagements between the two countries, as well as intensify dialogue inter alia between governmental authorities, parliaments, political parties, armed forces, non-governmental platforms/groups and local governments. The two sides expressed their satisfaction at the existing framework of holding regular consultations at the level of Foreign Secretary/Vice Minister in order to review various global, regional and sub-regional issues of mutual interest as well as entire range of bilateral issues, and agreed to hold the next round of consultation in Bangladesh during the second half of 2014.
5. The two sides recognized that economic cooperation and trade constitute an important part in forging closer comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and Bangladesh. They agreed to intensify cooperation on trade, investment, finance, agriculture, science-technology-innovation, health, education, transportation and infrastructure development based on equitable mutual benefits. Both sides welcomed the successfully convening of the Thirteenth Meeting of China-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (Kunming, 4 June 2014). They also agreed to take further concrete measures to increase bilateral trade, widen economic cooperation and augment investment flow, with a view to reducing widening bilateral trade imbalance.
6. The Chinese side encouraged and supported the Chinese enterprises to make mutually beneficial investments in Bangladesh. The Chinese side proposed for active involvement of leading Chinese enterprises in the development of communications-energy-transportation infrastructure and industry in Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi side appreciated China's long-term support to Bangladesh's economic and social development, welcomed the Chinese proposal, and agreed to consider the modalities for such cooperation between the two countries.
7. Both sides further agreed that the Chinese financial institutions will cooperate in projects with relevant institutions in Bangladesh according to law and regulation. In this context, the Bangladeshi side proposed for undertaking the following projects in accelerating Bangladesh's development:
i. Development of National Infra Network for Bangladesh Government Phase III(Expanding IT Connectivity up to Union Level: Info Sarker Phase 3 ).
ii. Rajshahi WASA Surface Water Treatment Plant Project.
iii. Construction of 2nd Railway cum Road Bridge across the River Karnaphuli at Kalurghat Point near the Existing Railway Bridge.
iv. Construction of New Single Track Dual Gauge (DG) Railway Line from Chittagong to Cox's Bazar via Ramu and Ramu to Gundum near Bangladesh-Myanmar Border.
v. Eastern Refinery Unit-II and the Single Point Mooring (SPM ) Project.
8. The Bangladeshi side underlined the need for development of supply chain and related services and industries in Bangladesh and comprehensive development of the manufacturing and services sectors. The Bangladeshi side welcomed the signing of an MoU on the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Bangladesh and assured of necessary support to facilitate the process. The Chinese side appreciated the offer of the Bangladeshi side and expressed its support for Chinese enterprises to construct relevant industrial zone.
9. The two sides agreed to continue with strengthening communication and coordination in regional cooperation. The Chinese side appreciated Bangladesh's constructive role and its initiatives in deepening regional peace, stability and progress in South Asia, including within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC); and welcomed continued active participation of Bangladesh in the China-South Asia EXPOs. Bangladesh appreciated China's continued engagement within SAARC.
10. The two sides recognized that the development of 'Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM EC)' would constitute an important vehicle to complement various regional connectivity initiatives and provide an important avenue for strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation and sustainable development. The two sides agreed that BCIM EC should attain peace, stability, equitable and sustainable development of the region through unlocking its potential for comprehensive development of the region. China welcomed Bangladesh's convening of the Second Meeting of the Joint Study Group (JSG) of BCIM EC in Bangladesh. The two sides agreed to remain actively engaged towards the development of BCIM EC along with other countries, and expressed their hope of finalizing mutually beneficial and result-oriented cooperative framework among the four countries.
11. Underlining the significance of advancing people-to-people contacts to deepen mutual understanding and friendship, the two sides agreed to strengthen people-to-people exchanges for deepening civilizational ties. Both sides agreed to actively expand exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, science & technology, media, health, and further promote interactions between media organizations, think tanks, academia, research community, scholars, friendship associations, women's organizations, art troupes, sportsmen and sports organizers, as well as young people of the two countries. With a view to facilitating widening interaction among people, the two sides agreed, on the basis of the principle of equality and mutual benefit, to simplify visa procedure for businessmen, scholars/researchers, students, artists, and tourists etc.
12. The Bangladeshi side requested to continue to provide, and increase in due course, Chinese government-sponsored scholarships to Bangladesh, so as to help Bangladesh develop a pool of technical professionals who are in great need of her nation-building programmes. The Chinese side agreed to the proposal and assured of facilitating more Bangladeshi students studying at all levels in China through other programs and channels. The two sides also agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in teaching of Chinese language and culture and also development of human resources, including through development of selected vocational and technical educational institutions in Bangladesh for which the modality would be worked out later by the two sides. The Bangladeshi side also requested for providing long-term training programmes for civil servants and diplomats from Bangladesh in the relevant Chinese institutions and universities. The Chinese side agreed to the proposal.
13. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the existing level of cooperation between Bangladesh and China on defense matters. They also agreed to continue enhancing cooperation in this area.
14. The two sides agreed on undertaking practical initiatives towards protection, promotion and development of marine natural resources and marine sectors, in accordance with international law inter alia through maritime scientific survey and research and addressing extreme climate and observing changes like ocean acidification. They also agreed to deepen cooperation on creating sustainable employment for the people from the perspectives of ocean-based economy, including through sustainable fisheries and exploration and development of marine resources, renewable energy, shipping and eco-tourism. The two sides also recognized the importance of development of "Blue Economy" and development of related capacity in Bangladesh.
15. The two sides agreed to forge closer cooperation in international affairs and strengthen coordination on multilateral fora, including in the United Nations. They recognized similarity of perspectives on a number of aspects on ongoing global discourse related to climate change, Post-2015 Development Agenda, energy resources, natural disasters and food security as well as other issues related to the aspirations and challenges of the developing countries. They also agreed to maintain close coordination and cooperation in this regard.
16. The two sides recognized the importance for Bangladesh to strengthen its capacity to address the challenges related to climate change and disaster risk reduction. Bangladesh expressed its appreciation for China's support in this area, and underlined the need for development and transfer of relevant technologies, including those relevant to agriculture to Bangladesh. The Chinese side agreed to enhance its support to Bangladesh in addressing climate change challenges as well as further strengthen cooperation on managing natural disasters. Both sides agreed to develop a framework of cooperation related to urban disaster rescue, relief and rehabilitation between the two countries, especially by way of sharing China's capability, experience and advanced technology with Bangladesh.
17. In the context of globalization, the two sides recognized that the concept of security has assumed more transnational, comprehensive and inter-connected character. They acknowledged that the countries could benefit by addressing common security concerns through comprehensive, cooperative and sustained efforts. The Bangladeshi side welcomed China's successfully hosting of the fourth Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and its assumption of the chairmanship of CICA. The Chinese side congratulated Bangladesh on becoming a new member of CICA.
18. During the visit, the two Leaders witnessed the signing of the following MoUs/agreements/Letters of Exchange between the two countries:
i. Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
ii. Letter of Exchange on the 2nd Batch of Calamity Rescue Equipments to Bangladesh between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
iii. Letter of Exchange on Feasibility Study of Flood Prevention and Management in Bangladesh between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
iv. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority of the People's Republic of Bangladesh on Cooperation in the Establishment of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Bangladesh.
v. Memorandum of Understanding on Jointly Promoting the Construction of the Multi Lane Road Tunnel Project under the River Karnaphuli between the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Communication of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
vi. Joint Venture Agreement between China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation and North-west Power Generation Company Limited on the Establishment of a 1320 MW Coal Based Ultra Super Critical Power Plant at Kalapara Upazilla, Patuakhali
19. The two sides agreed to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China in 2015 in a befitting manner, by jointly organizing various events/activities throughout the year.
20. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her deep appreciation for the warm reception and gracious hospitality accorded to her during the visit, and extended an invitation to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to pay an official visit to Bangladesh at mutually convenient time. Premier Li Keqiang expressed his appreciation for the invitation and warmly accepted the invitation.
Beijing, 10 June 2014