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Abstract
This article explores the scopes for elevating the already-strong relationship between Bangladesh and China to new strategic and economic heights. It provides an assessment of the existing partnership, highlighting the deep and multifaceted cooperation in the political, economic, and defense sectors. The study then identifies several key areas where the relationship could be significantly upgraded. These include the potential for Bangladesh to become a key partner in China's "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI), the need to address the massive bilateral trade imbalance by securing greater duty-free market access for Bangladeshi products in China, and the opportunity to attract a new wave of Chinese foreign direct investment into key sectors of the Bangladeshi economy. The research argues that the converging strategic interests of the two countries provide a strong foundation for a more comprehensive strategic partnership. The analysis concludes by outlining the policy initiatives that both sides need to take to realize this immense potential.
Full Text
The relationship between Bangladesh and China has been one of the most important and consistent in Bangladesh's foreign policy. This paper argues that there are significant new opportunities to elevate this partnership to an even higher level. The study begins by providing an overview of the very solid foundation of the existing relationship, which it characterizes as a "comprehensive partnership of cooperation." The core of the article is a forward-looking analysis of the new scopes for enhancing this partnership. A central focus is the transformative potential of the newly announced "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI). The paper explores how Bangladesh, through projects like the development of a deep-sea port and other infrastructure, could position itself as a key node in the maritime dimension of the BRI, the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road." The second major area of focus is the economic relationship. The paper makes a strong case for the need to move beyond the current unbalanced trade pattern. It advocates for a more vigorous diplomatic effort from Bangladesh to secure duty-free, quota-free access for its products to the vast Chinese market, and for a proactive strategy to attract a larger volume and a more diverse portfolio of Chinese FDI. The findings suggest that the conditions are ripe for a major upgrading of the relationship. The paper concludes that by seizing the opportunities presented by initiatives like the BRI and by working to create a more balanced economic partnership, Bangladesh and China can indeed take their relationship to "new heights" of strategic cooperation.