Bangladesh and China have reached a consensus on expanding bilateral cooperation in water resource management, including the Teesta River project, following a meeting between Prime Minister Tarek Rahman and Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying in Beijing.
The meeting was held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Thursday at noon local time.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing river dredging initiatives aimed at reducing flood risks, protecting the environment, and ensuring sustainable management of the country’s water resources. He sought greater Chinese support for Bangladesh’s efforts in the water sector.
The Prime Minister also expressed hope for Chinese technical assistance in implementing the Teesta Management Project. In response, Minister Li Guoying welcomed the proposal and assured Bangladesh of China’s full cooperation in water resource development and management.
Referring to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Bangladesh and China in 2005, as well as the visit of Chinese water experts to Bangladesh last year, Li noted that the existing partnership between the two countries is practical, research-based, and mutually beneficial.
Tarek Rahman further sought China’s support in addressing riverbank erosion, improving irrigation systems, and enhancing inland waterway navigation. The Chinese minister said Bangladesh could benefit from China’s extensive experience in water management and invited Bangladeshi water experts and officials to participate in training programs in China.
Several senior Bangladeshi officials attended the meeting, including Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, Adviser on Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment Mahdi Amin, as well as Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Ruman.
