Dhaka, Mar 12 (V7N) – Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Tuesday (March 11) at the Forest Department in Agargaon. The meeting focused on enhancing mutual cooperation in environmental conservation, forest management, and combating climate change.

During the meeting, Minister Mintoo highlighted government initiatives to reduce air, water, and noise pollution and sought China's support for climate-resilient development. He also referred to ongoing government projects, including the family card, farmer card, and interest-free loans of Tk 10,000 for farmers.

The minister emphasized a major upcoming plan to plant 250 million trees nationwide over the next five years, with plantation activities set to begin in May, guided by suggestions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Ambassador Yao Wen congratulated Bangladesh on its landslide victory in the 13th National Parliament elections and reaffirmed China’s commitment to continued cooperation in environmental sustainability. He expressed interest in technical cooperation and joint projects, particularly to curb air pollution in Dhaka and other major cities.

Regarding waste management, Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed mentioned that final approval is underway for electricity generation from waste at the Aminbazar Landfill, citing China’s successful waste management systems as a model for Bangladesh.

The meeting stressed green development, technology exchange, pollution prevention, and environment-friendly infrastructure as key areas for bilateral collaboration.

END/SMA/AJ