Media MoUs with China to bring qualitative change to Bangladesh's media sector: Swapon

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday expressed optimism that Bangladesh's media sector will undergo a qualitative transformation following the signing of four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with China on cooperation in the field of information and broadcasting. 

Sharing his reaction to the MoUs signed during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, the minister said the two countries have agreed to work together in sharing 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 said he had also signed two additional MoUs unofficially, adding that details of those agreements will be disclosed later.

On June 25, Bangladesh and China signed four MoUs aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the media sector, promoting the use of modern technology and expanding information exchange.

The MoUs will promote bilateral cooperation in news and information exchange, establish long-term partnerships in the media sector, facilitate joint research on issues relating to the Global South media, and expand cooperation and experience-sharing in broadcasting and technology use.

They are also expected to further strengthen the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and China and open new avenues of cooperation in the media and information sector.

Swapon said Bangladesh will benefit from China's expertise in advanced media technology and research on artificial intelligence (AI).

"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.

The minister said a total of 17 MoUs were signed during the Prime Minister's visit to Beijing. Of them, 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 six related to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry were signed on behalf of Bangladesh by him.

He said the importance and honour extended to the Bangladesh delegation by China's top leadership reflected the strength of bilateral relations. 

"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," Swapon said.

He described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's China visit as a milestone in bilateral ties.

"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," the minister said.

Referring to President Xi Jinping's remarks during his meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Swapon said the Chinese leader expressed hope that the visit will elevate Bangladesh-China relations to new heights.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Malaysia and China from June 21 to 26 on his maiden overseas tour after taking office.

During the China 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, Information and Broadcasting Minister Swapon, 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.