Special Correspondent: Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban on Sunday and conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping.During the meeting, held in the afternoon, the Chinese envoy invited the President to undertake a state visit to China at a convenient time, according to President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam.The meeting covered a broad range of issues concerning Bangladesh-China relations, with both sides expressing their determination to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and expand cooperation between the two countries.Ambassador Yao briefed President Mirza Fakhrul on the outcomes of the Prime Minister’s recent visit to China. He highlighted several initiatives, including the foundation stone laying of the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), a commercial agreement aimed at modernising Mongla Port and possible Chinese cooperation in establishing the Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ).The ambassador expressed hope that at least 30 Chinese companies would invest around US$500 million in Bangladesh, potentially creating employment opportunities for nearly one lakh people.The President expressed optimism that the Prime Minister’s recent visit would give fresh momentum to the traditionally friendly relations between Dhaka and Beijing.The two sides also discussed expanding Bangladesh’s exports to China, particularly agricultural products.The process of exporting jackfruits, mangoes and guavas from Bangladesh to the Chinese market was discussed, along with greater cooperation in other areas of trade and investment.They also explored cooperation in solar power and electric vehicle assembly, sectors that could create new investment and employment opportunities while supporting Bangladesh’s efforts toward cleaner energy and modern industries.The Teesta River Integrated Management and Restoration Project was another important issue discussed during the meeting.The two sides also considered launching a foreign minister-level strategic dialogue and initiating “2+2” diplomacy and defence dialogue at the state minister level to enhance regular communication and cooperation on strategic and security-related matters.The proposed initiatives could provide new platforms for Bangladesh and China to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.The Chinese ambassador and the President also discussed strengthening bilateral efforts to address the Rohingya crisis.Regional economic connectivity was another area of discussion, particularly the proposed China-Bangladesh-Myanmar economic corridor. The initiative was considered in the broader context of increasing trade, connectivity and economic cooperation among the countries concerned.Ambassador Yao also recalled President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s earlier visit to China during his tenure as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development.At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevating Bangladesh-China relations through stronger, broader and more diversified cooperation.President’s Public Division Secretary and Military Secretary were present during the meeting.