China and Bangladesh: 'A time-tested friendship'

Most press coverage on Bangladesh feature pictures of devastating floods, cyclones and densely populated areas. This is why it's hardly surprising that Bangladesh doesn't rate highly on travelers' itineraries.

However, what these images don't reveal is that Bangladesh is a unique and unusual destination. Given its relatively small size of 147,500 sq km, it is also home to a surprising number of tourist attractions.

Set in the crook of the Bay of Bengal and bordered by the Ganges, Bangladesh is the perfect place to take scenic trips through the rural countryside - ideally by boat along the country's teeming network of rivers. A particularly popular spot is Cox's Bazar beach, said to be the longest unbroken, shark-free, sandy sea beach in the world. Alternatively you may favor a trek through the world's largest mangrove forest - with its breathtaking array of unique flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Bangladesh's ambassador to China said: "Exploring life along the rivers allows tourists to experience the largely unspoilt pristine beauty of rural Bangladesh. It is both fascinating and relaxing. The beauty of the setting sun behind the waves of the sea is truly breathtaking."

Bangladesh also has a fascinating architectural heritage, which includes the remnants of ornately carved Hindu temples, beautiful mosques and centuries-old monasteries.

Ahmad said: "I can assure you that it would be quite a rewarding experience to visit Bangladesh. I believe there will be more and more Chinese tourists visiting my country. The costs of traveling and staying in Bangladesh are among the cheapest in the world - about $20 a day.

"Being close Asian neighbors we also share oriental values and cultures. This adds to the comfort level of Chinese tourists in Bangladesh."

Currently, a few thousand Chinese people live and work in Bangladesh, mainly in construction sites, factories and Chinese restaurants.

In 2005, during Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Bangladesh, the country was awarded Approved Destination Status for Chinese tourists. This has also paved the way for effective business cooperation among the tour service providers of the two countries.

However, Bangladesh and China's cooperation in tourism development is still in the early stages, unlike its long-term cooperation in the areas of trade and culture.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, China has become one of Bangladesh's major development partners. At present, the relations between the two countries are largely characterized by ever broadening economic cooperation.

Since 2005, China has emerged as Bangladesh's largest source of imports, while Bangladesh is the third-largest trade partner for China in South Asia.

Bilateral trade volume increased to $4 billion in 2008 from $1.1 billion in 2002. It is predicted that the amount will reach nearly $5 billion by 2010.

There is also growing Chinese investment in Bangladesh in a number of sectors.

Ahmad said: "Already there is excellent cooperation between Bangladesh and China in the field of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

"A huge section of these enterprises in Bangladesh depend almost exclusively on machinery, equipment and raw materials from China. Some Chinese enterprises also use raw materials from Bangladesh, particularly in the leather products industry.

"The light industry and smaller enterprises hold excellent opportunities and potential for Chinese entrepreneurs to profitably invest in Bangladesh."

The newly-elected government of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is formulating short, medium and long-term work plans to build an industrialized and prosperous Bangladesh by 2021, according to a statement made last month by Dilip Barua, Bangladesh's Industries Minister.

Barua said: "Fortunately, up until now, Bangladesh has not been affected greatly by the global economic downtown and it is expected that the country will maintain political stability in the coming five years. This will create a favorable investment environment for foreign investors,"

Ahmad echoed the ministers words: "Our Hon'ble Prime Minister, is looking forward to increasing and expanding cooperation in various sectors with China and drawing on our complementary skills and resources. This has created a new momentum in the existing bilateral relations between the two countries."

According to Ahmad, Bangladesh and China have enjoyed a "time-tested, all-weather friendship".

He said: "Both China and Bangladesh are countries with large populations and both face the challenge of rapid development.

"China has already helped Bangladesh construct six Friendship bridges and a Convention Center. This shows the excellent relations between the two countries."

The partnership between the two countries will be strengthened by last week's announcement that Bangladesh will be participating in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Ahmad said: "As part of the deal, China will construct a pavilion for us free of charge at the World Expo. This again shows the depth of friendship between our two countries.

"We hope that participating will see the bilateral relations and trade between our two countries further strengthened."

(China Daily 03/26/2009 page10)