UN Headquarters,NY, Sep 26 (V7N) - China is seeking to deepen its trade and economic ties with Bangladesh, with a particular focus on investment in solar energy, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday. The announcement came during a meeting between Wang and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York.

During the meeting, Wang Yi described Professor Yunus as "an old friend of the Chinese people," congratulating him on his leadership of Bangladesh’s Interim Government. Wang expressed confidence in Yunus's ability to unite the country and fulfill the expectations of its people.

The Chinese Foreign Minister highlighted China’s interest in responding to Professor Yunus's call for Chinese solar panel manufacturers to establish production facilities in Bangladesh. This appeal had been made last month during a courtesy visit by the Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka.

Wang Yi also emphasized the importance of fostering greater cooperation between the two nations’ industries, stating that Bangladesh would benefit from China’s decision to provide zero-tariff access for goods from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Additionally, Wang announced that the Chinese Red Cross had dispatched a medical team to assist in treating students and civilians who were seriously injured during the July-August mass protests in Bangladesh. He also pledged to welcome more Bangladeshi students to study in China.

Professor Yunus expressed gratitude for China’s continued support and praised its success in reducing poverty. He encouraged Chinese solar companies to expand their investments in Bangladesh, which enjoys favorable market access to several developed nations. Yunus also urged other Chinese manufacturers to consider relocating their factories to Bangladesh.

The Chief Adviser stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and opening "a new chapter" in relations between Dhaka and Beijing. He further called for increased technological collaboration between companies from both nations.

“We have a lot of opportunities to work together, and we look forward to closer cooperation with Chinese companies,” Yunus said.

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