Emphasising the growing importance of regional connectivity, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir on Monday said investments in transport infrastructure, aviation and digital networks are key drivers of economic growth and stronger people-to-people contacts.

"Bangladesh's strategic location provides significant opportunities to strengthen regional connectivity and expand cooperation in trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchanges," he said, noting that Bangladesh welcome greater collaboration with China and other international partners in advancing sustainable infrastructure, aviation, tourism and innovation for the benefit of the people.

Speaking as the chief guest at a joint training session's opening ceremony in the capital, the adviser stressed that future prosperity will depend not only on economic success but also on the quality of institutions, social resilience and international cooperation.

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) hosted the joint training program titled "2026 Comparative Governance Forum" at the BIISS Auditorium.

"The countries of the Global South are becoming increasingly influential in shaping global governance and sustainable development," Kobir said.

He said Bangladesh believes the international system must be more inclusive, rules-based and responsive to the aspirations of all nations. "We support multilateralism, peaceful dialogue and international cooperation as the most effective means of addressing common global challenges."

The adviser 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.

Prof Chen Zhimin, Vice-President of Fudan University, and Yao Wen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, attended the opening ceremony of the joint training program as special guests.

The adviser underscored the importance of deepening Bangladesh-China cooperation through knowledge sharing, dialogue and mutual learning, saying stronger partnerships are essential to addressing increasingly complex global challenges.

He said the initiative reflects the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening academic and institutional cooperation.

"I would like to acknowledge the valuable support of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and all our partner institutions. This forum reflects our shared belief that dialogue, knowledge and mutual learning remain indispensable in addressing the increasingly complex challenges of our time," he said.

The adviser said Bangladesh has much to learn from China's development experience while also sharing its own strengths in public policy and governance.

"Comparative governance calls for a comparative perspective on the governance systems of both countries. We can learn tremendously from the People's Republic of China. At the same time, there are areas where Bangladesh has performed well, and we should continue to build on those achievements," he said.

Describing China as one of the world's most remarkable development success stories, the adviser noted that the country has lifted around 800 million people out of extreme poverty over the past four decades through sustained reforms and economic transformation.

"China is a tremendous example of development over the last four decades. It has lifted nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty through one of the most successful poverty alleviation programmes in history and has implemented major market reforms that have transformed its economy," he said.

At the same time, Kobir said Bangladesh has earned international recognition in several important areas, particularly disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.

"Bangladesh has become internationally recognised for reducing disaster risks and protecting lives. However, climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions. We must continue to advocate for stronger multilateral cooperation, enhanced climate finance, technology transfer and greater support for vulnerable developing countries," he said.

Expressing optimism about the program, he said the discussions over the coming days would generate new ideas, strengthen academic and institutional cooperation and further reinforce the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and China.

Director General of BIISS Major General Ridwanur Rahman also spoke.

SM/CitizenTimes