One on one: Bangladeshi Deputy Speaker on connectivity and future growth

[00:00:00]Mr. Deputy Speaker, thank you for joining us on CGTN. This year marks the 10th China-South Asia Expo. In your view, what opportunities has the Expo created for trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation between China, Bangladesh, and the wider South Asian region?

[00:00:18]>> The 10th summit is like kind of a landmark for not only China, for the South Asian as well. Because our South Asian nations and China, if we work together, we can build a new region, which is necessary. And in terms of business, in terms of investment, in terms [clears throat] of quality of product that South Asian people need, so it's very much essential to have some kind of expo exposition, so that our product can be shown in your market. And at the same time, uh the entrepreneur, which are those who are coming from Bangladesh to here, they can get a chance to see your product as well.

[00:01:08]>> As Bangladesh advances its industrialization drive and economic transformation agenda, which sectors offer the greatest potential for deeper cooperation with the China?

[00:01:18]>> Basically, not only one sector. We need Chinese assistance and help in various sectors. For example, energy sector, solar panel, road infrastructure. As you know, China is a long-standing trusted friend for Bangladesh. So, we believe if Chinese investment go there and do some investment in various sector, for example, in medical technology, AI. For example, today we've been to hospital, and uh we have seen this robotic surgery. So, that is not never been happening in Bangladesh. And this robotic surgery, for example, if a patient in Dhaka, surgery can be conducted from here in Kunming. So, this kind of initiative, innovation will be very much useful for Bangladesh as well.

[00:02:11]And there are a lots of potential to develop in this sector, in this area, as China is the pioneer of it.

[00:02:18]>> This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Bangladesh's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. How would you assess the achievements of Bangladesh-China cooperation under the initiative over the past decade? And what are your expectations for its future development?

[00:02:36]>> This initiative will be benefited not only Bangladesh, for the whole region.

[00:02:41]For example, if a road is constructed from Kunming through Myanmar to Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, uh Chittagong, it will give us ample opportunity uh to transportation of goods and vehicles and everything. It will uh bring more closer, as I put that um neighboring country should be close friend. Uh friendship starts from people to people. And uh since there are lack of facilities in Bangladesh in terms of medical treatment and the modern technology, uh therefore, if Chinese government, particularly Yunnan province, uh invest more in Bangladesh uh in terms of medical facilities, it will be very useful and very helpful to build a special relationship people to people.