DHAKA : Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said Bangladesh's foreign policy is guided by economic priorities rather than geopolitical considerations, with trade, investment, remittances and overseas employment shaping the country's diplomatic engagements.

Addressing a seminar titled "Long Live Bangladesh-China Friendship", organised by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association (BCFA) at a hotel in the capital, he said China has the potential to become one of Bangladesh's most strategic and dependable partners in its economic advancement.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addressed the event as the chief guest.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen was present as the guest of honour, while Bangladesh-China Friendship Association President and Adviser to the BNP Chairman Advocate Nazmul Haque Nannu chaired the programme.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat also addressed the seminar as a special guest. Lawmakers Sanzida Islam Tuli and Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, among others, attended the event.

Referring to the growing economic partnership between Bangladesh and China, Swapon said China is Bangladesh's second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), while bilateral trade has reached nearly US$20 billion.

Noting that Bangladesh's exports to China remain below US$1 billion, he said the Chinese government is keen to support Bangladesh in expanding its export capacity.

The minister said China could emerge as Bangladesh's most important development partner in the coming years under the vision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Emphasising the importance of regional connectivity for economic growth, Swapon said no country can achieve rapid development without improving transport links and regional integration.

He said a significant strategic initiative had recently been completed through the efforts of Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, leading to an understanding between Bangladesh and China to establish road connectivity.

Swapon said that overcoming several long-standing complexities, the process of establishing road connectivity among China, Myanmar and Bangladesh is set to begin. 

In the interest of regional development, any other country, including India, would be welcomed to join the initiative which would be regarded as a major strategic victory for the region's economy, he added.

Turning to the Rohingya crisis, Swapon said Bangladesh expects China to play a stronger and more effective role in facilitating a lasting solution through dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

"The Chinese government has attached importance to the mutual interests of Bangladesh and Myanmar and we hope China will make meaningful contributions to resolving the Rohingya issue," he said.

Clarifying the foundation of Bangladesh's diplomatic outlook, the minister said, Bangladesh believes in a pragmatic policy. Geopolitics is not our primary objective; our priority is the economy. 

We import from China and India, export to the United States and Europe and receive remittances from the Middle East and Malaysia. Our foreign policy reflects these economic realities and China attaches great importance to this position," he said.

Swapon also praised Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, describing him as one of the key figures in strengthening Bangladesh-China friendship and expanding political and economic cooperation between the two countries.