Bangladeshi Ambassador to China Ashfaqur Rahman said in Beijing Wednesday that Bangladesh and China enjoy "excellent" political relations prior to the upcoming visit by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia from August 17 to 21.

Speaking of bilateral relations, Rahman said the economic relations between the two countries are "growing," and both sides have "deepening" cultural and educational relations and "expanding" science and technology relations as well.

Recalling the agreements signed between the two countries during Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Bangladesh in April, Rahman said a number of agreements covering tourism, energy, culture and education are likely to be inked between the two countries during Zia's upcoming visit.

On the question of Taiwan, Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh's stance of always sticking to the one-China Policy.

This year witnesses the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and it has been declared as the "year of friendship" as well, Rahman said, adding that Zia's upcoming visit shows that both countries attach great importance to the development of bilateral relations.

Some international media has distorted the image of Bangladesh, which is situated in the central area surrounded by three huge markets, namely, India, China and the ASEAN, he said.

The labor, electricity, land and natural resources are fairly cheap in Bangladesh, so Chinese investors will find "a big opportunity" in the country, he added.

"The Chinese people are well respected in Bangladesh," Rahman said, adding that a special zone will be built for Chinese businessmen if they go and make investments in Bangladesh in big numbers.

(Xinhua News Agency August 11, 2005)