THE relations between Bangladesh and China are rooted in history. The two Asian countries arc bond by special ties dating back to thousands of years. Since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between them in October 1976, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has grows steadily over the years covering such diverse fields as trade and commerce, science and technology, education and news and cultural exchanges. Both China and Bangladesh have common and shared perception on almost all global regional issues. All heads of government In Bangladesh since 1977 have visited China, some among them more than once. Former 'Chinese President Li Xien Nien 'and Premier Li Peng paid return visits to Bangladesh thereby strengthening amity and cordiality between the two countries.

Slnce-Bangladesh ties present a shining example of South-South Cooperation. On

November 2. 1983 a Joint Commission between the two countries came into being to promote cooperation between the two nations In economic, trade, commerce, science, technical, transport, education and cultural fields. So far the Commission held six meetings alternately In Beijing and Dhaka. Over the last 15 years China has accorded Bangladesh an interest-free loan of 363 million Yuan equivalent to 3,630 million Taka under seven agreements for implementing several development projects.

Of the amount, 58 million Yuan was spent for the construction of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge ever the river Buriganga while 42' million Yuan was spent towards the construction of the Shambhuganj Bridge. During Prime Minister Begum Khaleda

Zia's first official visit to Beijing tn June this year, China offered an additional amount of 400 million taka interest-free loan. China also offered two hundred small tractors for use in the country's agricultural modernisation programme. China is also to built a modern hospital complex and a bicycle chain manufacturing plant for Bangladesh.

Three Chinese aided notable completed projects are — the Sundcrban Textile Mills, Rupganj Water Conservancy Plant and the Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory. China also assisted in the renovation and modernisation of the Bangladesh Ordnance Factory. The 200-MW Chittagong Thermal Power Station which is being assisted by China is also nearing completion. Beijing has also expressed Its readiness to take part in the

development of Boropukuria coal mining project In Dinajpur.

Both-way trade rose from 13.75 million dollars In 1975-76 to 147.21 million dollars in 1989-90. Bangladesh finances 79 per cent of Its total import from China under cash foreign exchange with barter amounting for the remaining 21 per cent. Barter comprises 89 per cent of Bangladesh's exports to China. The Third Five-Year term accord for 1990-95, now in operation, was signed in November 1989. The balance of payment Is slightly against Bangladesh.

China is a time tested friend of Bangladesh. During the catastrophic floods of 1987 and 1988 as well as during the devastating and tidal upsurge this year China came forward In a big way to assist Bangladesh. Beijing also shared

Dhaka's tireless efforts to evolve a permanent solution of the Bangladesh perennial flood problem. Chinese hydrologists provided consultancy services for flood control and river management projects. China and Bangladesh signed direct air link and shipping between the two countries back in 1988. The two countries have

also agreements on educat to and cultural exchangei Bangladesh built a pri mar school in Beijing an Bangladeshi students are re ccivlng higher education t different branches of learnln in China.

There is however, still am pie scope of further expandin bilateral cooperation betwec the, two countries. It is ex por ted that with the passage < time stronger bridges c friendship between Bangladcs and China will be built tn ev ery field.