Shanghai: Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, currently in China for an official visit, today emphasized the importance of narrowing the trade gap and enhancing regional connectivity with China to promote equitable growth. He delivered these remarks during a keynote address at a seminar titled ‘Our Shared Vision for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity’ at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) in Shanghai, as stated in a press release from the foreign ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hossain presented a forward-looking vision for global peace, highlighting the crucial role of economic cooperation as a foundation for sustainable development and stability. He addressed global challenges, stressing that peace and security are shared responsibilities requiring inclusive economic frameworks and a focus on empowering underrepresented groups, particularly the youth and women.
On the topic of the Rohingya crisis, Hossain emphasized the necessity of creating a conducive environment in Rakhine State for the return of the Rohingya people. He stated, “Both Bangladesh and China have vital interests in the resolution of the conflict, and we must cooperate wholeheartedly in bringing about the resolution.”
Hossain also highlighted the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and China, which have evolved into a dynamic partnership through various mechanisms, including the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI). He underscored China’s transformative development assistance and investments in Bangladesh’s various sectors, which have significantly contributed to the country’s socio-economic development.
He praised Bangladesh’s successful social initiatives, such as microcredit programs pioneered by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, which have empowered rural women and fostered social harmony. Hossain called for similar transformative efforts to uplift the youth.
To realize the shared vision, he stressed the need to strengthen multilateral institutions, expand investments, deepen people-to-people exchanges, and champion the global trade system.
The program began with a welcome address by SIIS President Dr. Chen Dongxiao, who highlighted the historic and evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China. He expressed optimism about the event’s potential to enhance academic and research collaborations and the role of the two countries in furthering global peace and stability.
The event brought together a distinguished group of participants, including scholars, diplomats, government officials, young researchers, media representatives, senior leadership and experts from SIIS, and officials from the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office. It featured speeches from key participants, including remarks by Dr. Yang Jiemian, Director of the Academic Advisory Board at SIIS, and presentations by six renowned experts. These experts provided insights on topics ranging from economic globalization to regional stability, leading to rich discussions during the subsequent interactive session.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md. Nazmul Islam, the release added.