China to support Bangladesh in joining BRICS; Xi assures

China, the world's second largest economy, will always stay beside Bangladesh in its needs, which include supporting it in joining the BRICS bloc and ensuring a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday gave the assurance in a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Hotel Hilton Sandton in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

The Chinese president also gave assurance of cooperation in making Bangladesh a developed, prosperous Sonar Bangla and taking initiative to quicken the signing of the Preferential-Free Trade Agreement (PTA) with Bangladesh and reduce the imbalance in China-Bangladesh trade.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen briefed reporters after the bilateral talks between the two leaders.

During the meeting, he said, both leaders invited one another to visit their respective countries at their convenience, and they have agreed to this respect.

"I will always support you (Sheikh Hasina) as you can join the BRICS," Momen quoted the Chinese president as saying.

Regarding the Rohingya issue, Xi wants to resolve the Rohingya issue through the tripartite engagement of China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar and has assured them that they will always support Bangladesh to this end.

"China will help Bangladesh bring a permanent solution to the Rohingya issue. ---we don't want instability in the region," Xi Jinping said.

Bangladesh's prime minister said that her government wants to repatriate Rohingya refugees to their homeland, citing that they are becoming threats to the peace of the region as many of them are engaged in illegal drug and arms trading.

"Peace is imperative for development," she said.

Xi also expressed his country's keenness to help Bangladesh in the development of energy, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

"China will help you materialise your dream to build a developed and prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' at the quickest possible time."

Hasina also sought the Chinese president's help in quick implementation of some Chinese-funded projects that are now stuck in a funding crisis while the Chinese leader is assured of looking into the matters.

During the talks, the prime minister stressed the need for reducing the trade gap between Bangladesh and China, citing that Bangladesh has currently imported Chinese goods worth about 20 billion US dollars every year, while China imports Bangladeshi goods worth only 700 million US dollars.

The Chinese president, in reply, said they must address the issue and said that China has given duty and quota free access to 98% Bangladeshi products to the Chinese market.

Hasina said that the trade gap between Bangladesh and China will be reduced if some Chinese investments come to Bangladesh.

She also stressed the need for signing the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries.

"We will take measures to quicken the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement between the countries," Xi said in reply.

Momen said that Bangladesh has expressed its eagerness to export fresh fruits such as mango, jackfruit, guava, fresh vegetables, and cattle and poultry feeds to China.

The Chinese leader assured them that they must consider it, Momen said.