Staff Reporter :

Md. Shihab Uddin, Publisher and Editor of the daily *Janajagaran* and General Secretary of the Mirpur Press Club, has remarked that the People's Republic of China could play an even more significant role in the coming days regarding Bangladesh's economic progress, industrialization, infrastructure development, and the enhancement of technological capabilities.

He stated that China is one of the most influential nations in the current global balance of economic power. Today, China ranks among the world's leading countries in manufacturing, technology, infrastructure development, trade, and international investment. Through long-term development plans, the adoption of modern technology, and immense economic capacity, the country continues to make significant contributions to the economic progress of many developing nations across the globe.

Md. Shihab Uddin stated that under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China has opened up new horizons in global development, infrastructure construction, enhanced connectivity, and economic cooperation. Simultaneously, Chinese Premier Li Qiang is playing a pivotal role in the country's economic activities, industrialization, foreign investment, and the expansion of international trade. Under their leadership, China has further solidified its position as one of the world's major economic powers.

He further stated that Bangladesh is a highly important partner for China, considering factors such as its geographical location, seaports, regional connectivity, and access to South Asian markets. Consequently, there is potential for further growth in Chinese investment across various sectors in Bangladesh—including infrastructure, industry, energy, information technology, health, education, transportation, railways, bridges, ports, power generation, agricultural modernization, and special economic zones.

He noted that China's large industrial enterprises and technology companies have made significant contributions to industrialization, job creation, and modern urbanization through extensive investments across various countries worldwide. Chinese investments in nations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe have accelerated economic growth, and Bangladesh is no exception to this potential.

According to Md. Shihab Uddin, Bangladesh's young population, growing domestic market, strategic geographical location, and development-oriented economy are highly attractive to foreign investors. By capitalizing on these opportunities to further strengthen mutual cooperation with China, it would be possible to establish new industrial plants, facilitate technology transfer, develop a skilled workforce, and create employment for millions of people.

He stated that foreign investment is crucial for sustaining the momentum of Bangladesh's economic development. In particular, if a major economy like China increases investment in sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, high-tech, artificial intelligence, semiconductor-related industries, smart cities, digital infrastructure, and modern communication systems, the country's economy will gain further momentum, enabling Bangladesh to secure a strong position in international competition.

He further stated that the relationship between Bangladesh and China is built on the foundations of long-standing friendship, mutual respect, and development cooperation. To deepen and make this relationship more effective, it is necessary to enhance cooperation in the commercial, industrial, and technological sectors alongside government-level engagement. Both countries will benefit from this.

Md. Shihab Uddin stated that China's advanced technology, financial capacity, and extensive industrial experience could inject new momentum into Bangladesh's development journey. Joint initiatives across various sectors—including infrastructure development, modern industrialization, transportation systems, healthcare, education, research, and the enhancement of defense capabilities—will play a positive role in the country's long-term development.

He expressed hope that economic, commercial, and strategic cooperation between Bangladesh and China would further expand in the future. Through mutual trust, transparency, and long-term planning, the relationship between the two countries would reach new heights, and China would play an even more effective role as a key development partner in Bangladesh's sustainable economic development.