Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir -File photo

DHAKA, Aug 3, 2026 (BSS) – Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir today said investment in transport infrastructure, aviation and digital networks is vital to driving economic growth and regional connectivity, while urging deeper Bangladesh-China cooperation through knowledge sharing and institutional partnerships.

"Bangladesh's strategic location provides significant opportunities to strengthen regional connectivity and expand cooperation in trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchanges," he said.

Kobir was addressing the inaugural session of the four-day "Comparative Governance Forum 2026", jointly organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA) of China's Fudan University, at the BIISS auditorium in the capital as the chief guest.

"We welcome greater collaboration with China and other international partners in advancing sustainable infrastructure, aviation, tourism and innovation for the benefit of our peoples," said the adviser. 

He said future prosperity would depend not only on economic growth but also on the quality of institutions, social resilience and international cooperation.

"The countries of the Global South are becoming increasingly influential in shaping global governance and sustainable development," he said, adding that Bangladesh believes the international system must be more inclusive, rules-based and responsive to the aspirations of all nations.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Professor Chen Zhimin, Vice-President of Fudan University and BIISS Director General Major General Ridwanur Rahman, among others, addressed the inaugural ceremony.

Reaffirming Bangladesh's support for multilateralism and peaceful dialogue, Kobir said lasting progress is achieved when nations invest in knowledge, trust and partnerships built on mutual respect.

"Economic growth creates prosperity, but wisdom, cooperation and mutual understanding are what ultimately secure peace and sustainable development," he said.

Highlighting the importance of comparative governance, the adviser said Bangladesh has much to learn from China's remarkable development experience over the past four decades, while also sharing its own strengths in governance and public policy.

"Comparative governance does not mean copying another country's model in its entirety. Rather, it means learning from successful experiences while adapting them to our own realities and national priorities," he said.

Describing China as one of the world's most successful development stories, Kobir said the country has lifted nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty through sustained reforms, while making significant advances in electric vehicles, solar energy, advanced manufacturing and scientific research.

He said Bangladesh-China relations over the next 50 years could unlock new opportunities in economy, trade, technology, infrastructure and connectivity.

The adviser said discussions on zero-tariff access, manufacturing cooperation, supply chain relocation and partnerships in advanced technology-based industries could create employment opportunities and help diversify Bangladesh's exports.

Expressing optimism over the recent meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kobir said it would further strengthen bilateral relations.

He said the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and China has evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, while the recently announced "Bangladesh-China Community with a Shared Future for the New Era" has taken bilateral relations to a new height.

Referring to global strategic competition, rapid technological transformation, climate change and evolving geopolitical realities, Kobir said no country can address these challenges alone.

"Mutual respect, cooperation and the exchange of experiences are the way forward," he said.
The adviser also underscored the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, modernising public administration and accelerating digital transformation to improve governance and public service delivery.

He described education, research and innovation as strategic assets for the future and welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BIISS and Fudan University, calling it an important milestone in long-term academic and policy cooperation.

On climate change, Kobir said Bangladesh has earned international recognition for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, but stressed the need for enhanced climate finance, technology transfer and greater support for vulnerable developing countries.