Mahdi Amin addressing a press conference at Diaoyutai Hotel in Beijing. Photo: Prime Minister's Office

BEIJING, June 25, 2026 (BSS) - China has assured Bangladesh of its support for the Teesta project and expressed interest in being involved from the planning stage through project design, execution and technical support.

Prime Minister's Office spokesman Mahdi Amin shared this information at a press conference at Diaoyutai Hotel here this evening, outlining the details of various programmes attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his delegation during his visit to China, the second leg of the premier's maiden overseas visit after assuming office. 

He said the government has a master plan for the Teesta project, which was outlined in the BNP election manifesto.

"Based on that plan, China has expressed interest in being involved continuously-from the planning stage to providing technical support where necessary, as well as in project design, planning and execution," he said. 

Describing a joint feasibility study as crucial, Amin said China is keen to work with Bangladesh on such a study for the large-scale project. Expertise in water resource management and drainage systems can also be utilized for Bangladesh's benefit, he added.

The PMO spokesman said the heads of government of the two countries have agreed on the issue.

"China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner. This presents a significant opportunity for us," he said.

"While China is our largest trading partner, Bangladesh's exports to China remain far lower than China's exports to Bangladesh. In that context, discussions were held on how Bangladesh can increase and diversify its exports. China already provides duty-free access for Bangladeshi goods, and talks focused on how to further enhance these benefits," he added.

Mahdi Amin said, "According to the Chinese Premier, China's massive market offers enormous potential for a wide range of Bangladeshi products. If we can strengthen our supply chain and align it with China's domestic demand, Bangladesh can significantly increase its exports."

"We can bring many products into the Chinese market. For instance, it was confirmed today that Bangladesh's national fruit, jackfruit, will be exported there. We can further diversify exports in fruits, vegetables, agro-based products, fisheries, and many other sectors," he said.

At the same time, there are opportunities in pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and several high-tech industries where China can invest in Bangladesh, while Bangladesh can also expand exports to China, said the PMO spokesman, adding that discussions are underway regarding a joint action plan between the two countries. 

"We want to shape our state policies in a way that diplomatic ties generate mutual benefits. Through state-level cooperation, Bangladesh will benefit, and China will also gain returns from its investments," he said.

Amin said China is keen to invest in Bangladesh and that both Chinese state-owned enterprises and private-sector companies are interested in investing in areas such as the digital economy, information technology, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He said several Chinese banks are interested in starting operations in Bangladesh in the coming years. 

"As we continue to recover and strengthen our financial system, China sees opportunities for investment in Bangladesh's banking sector," he said.

The spokesman said there are also a number of Chinese companies with offices in developed countries around the world that are interested in operating in Bangladesh. The Chinese Premier expressed a very positive attitude on this matter, he said. 

He said the people-to-people connectivity issue was also discussed between the prime ministers of both nations.

"In education, there is considerable scope for cooperation as we seek to introduce Mandarin as a third language. China has also expressed interest in supporting technical and vocational education," he said.

He noted that China is already working on hospital-related projects in Bangladesh. Discussions were held on how to increase the number of Chinese-invested hospitals, and the Chinese Premier showed interest in this area, he said.

"Many Bangladeshis seek medical treatment abroad. If visa procedures for Bangladeshis traveling to China can be made easier, access to healthcare services in China for Bangladeshi patients can be expanded. These issues were discussed in detail," he said.

Mahdi Amin also said that government-level discussions covered ways to make it easier for Bangladeshi students to obtain Chinese visas and access more scholarship opportunities.

Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present at the press conference.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will call on Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People here at 10:30 am local time tomorrow. 

The Prime Minister's schedule for tomorrow also includes a meeting with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China at the Great Hall of the People.

The Prime Minister began his maiden official foreign tour on June 21 with a visit to Malaysia. He then travelled to the Chinese city of Dalian on Monday night to attend the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos 2026. 

After participating in various events there for two days, he arrived in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon.

The premier, who is now on a four-day visit to China, is scheduled to depart Beijing for Dhaka at 5 pm tomorrow.