Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has expressed confidence that Bangladesh's media sector will undergo a qualitative transformation following the signing of four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with China on cooperation in information and broadcasting.
Speaking on Sunday about the agreements signed during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, the minister said the two countries had agreed to strengthen cooperation through the exchange of knowledge, experience and technology in the media sector.
“As the information minister, I officially signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Chinese government. Through these agreements, we have agreed to jointly exchange our knowledge and experience in the field of information management,” he said.
Swapon also said he had signed two additional MoUs unofficially, adding that details of those agreements would be disclosed later.
Bangladesh and China signed the four MoUs on 25 June to expand cooperation in the media sector, promote the use of modern technology and strengthen news and information exchange. The agreements also provide for long-term media partnerships, joint research on Global South media issues, and broader cooperation in broadcasting and technology.
The minister said Bangladesh would benefit from China's expertise in advanced media technology and artificial intelligence research.
“We have agreed to cooperate on media technology and AI-based research with a technologically advanced country like China. Through this joint effort, we believe we will be able to bring a new qualitative change to Bangladesh’s new media sector,” he said.
Swapon said a total of 17 MoUs were signed during the prime minister's visit to Beijing. He said 13 were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang following their bilateral talks at the Great Hall of the People, while he signed six agreements on behalf of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
He said the importance and respect shown to the Bangladesh delegation by China's top leadership reflected the strength of bilateral ties.
“The respect, importance and discussions we received from the Chinese president, the Chinese premier and the speaker of China’s parliament have strengthened our confidence that Bangladesh-China relations will take our economy, technology and international standing to a new level,” he said.
Describing the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations, the minister said it was Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's first overseas tour since taking office.
“This was the first overseas visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after assuming office. We are deeply impressed by China’s sincerity and hospitality. The warmth shown to our delegation reflects China’s goodwill towards the people of Bangladesh,” he said.
Swapon also said Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed hope during his meeting with the prime minister that the visit would elevate Bangladesh-China relations to new heights.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Malaysia and China from 21 to 26 June on his first official overseas tour after taking office. During the China leg of the visit, he attended the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in Dalian before travelling to Beijing.
In Beijing, the prime minister held bilateral meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping. He also met Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
The Bangladesh delegation included Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and the prime minister's advisers Humaiun Kobir, AKM Shamsul Islam, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and Mahdi Amin.
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