China Proposes Bangladesh-Myanmar-China Economic Corridor

China has proposed a tripartite economic corridor connecting Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to boost regional trade, investment and connectivity. The proposal emerged during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Beijing on Friday.

According to PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, the visit yielded 17 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These include 13 bilateral government agreements, three between the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Chinese businesses and a political MoU between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Infrastructure and regional connectivity dominated the agenda. Beijing expressed strong interest in modernizing the Chattogram and Mongla ports aiming to transform them into progressive regional hubs.

In a significant diplomatic development, the two nations agreed to launch a formal "2+2 dialogue" mechanism encompassing foreign affairs and defense. China also reaffirmed its respect for Bangladesh's sovereignty welcomed Dhaka's aspirations to join the BRICS bloc, and assured its support in facilitating dialogues with Myanmar to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

Beyond geopolitics, the leaders emphasized strengthening people-to-people ties. China pledged support for introducing advanced medical services in Bangladesh, robotic surgery and promised easier medical visa processing for Bangladeshis seeking treatment abroad.

Additionally, Beijing will provide infrastructural support for vocational training and Mandarin language education which is being prioritized as a third language in Bangladesh.