Bangladesh and China have agreed to deepen cooperation in river and water resources management, including the Teesta and other transboundary rivers, as part of broader efforts to enhance flood control, river conservation, and climate-resilient water governance.
Bangladesh and China have agreed to deepen cooperation in river and water resources management, including the Teesta and other transboundary rivers, as part of broader efforts to enhance flood control, river conservation, and climate-resilient water governance.
The understanding was reached during a meeting held at the state-run Diaoyutai Guest House in Beijing between China’s Water Resources Minister Li Guoying and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
During the meeting, the Bangladeshi side highlighted the country’s vulnerability to floods, river erosion, and climate-induced water stress, emphasizing ongoing river dredging initiatives aimed at improving river flow, reducing disaster risks, and strengthening overall water management systems.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought enhanced cooperation from China in river erosion prevention, irrigation modernization, and the development of inland water navigation systems. He also underscored the need for technical collaboration in integrated river basin planning and sustainable water governance.
Responding positively, Minister Li Guoying assured comprehensive cooperation from China in supporting Bangladesh’s water management priorities. He noted that China’s long-standing experience in large-scale river engineering and basin management could be effectively shared with Bangladesh to address common climate and water challenges.
He also proposed expanding human resource development initiatives, including training opportunities in China for Bangladeshi water experts, engineers, and relevant government officials.
Both sides expressed interest in strengthening institutional collaboration in water resources management, particularly in the context of increasing climate risks affecting South Asia. The discussions also reflected a shared commitment to enhancing resilience in flood-prone regions through knowledge exchange and technical partnership.
Bangladesh and China have in recent years expanded cooperation across infrastructure, climate adaptation, and development sectors, with water governance and river management emerging as key areas of strategic engagement.
