BIDA, NSU Launch Chinese Language Course for Officials. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at North South University (NSU), inaugurated a 15-week Chinese language course for government officials on Monday. The program aims to enhance communication with Chinese investors and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
The inauguration, held at the BIDA conference room, was chaired by Mohammad Humayun Kabir, executive member of BIDA, and moderated by Maruful Alam, director of BIDA. A documentary showcasing the progress of Bangladesh–China cooperation was also screened.
Professor Bulbul Ashraf Siddiqi, local director of the Confucius Institute, highlighted that understanding Chinese language and culture will enable officials to communicate more effectively with investors and facilitate trade and investment. Li Shaopeng, cultural counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, said the program would deepen bilateral ties and open avenues for future collaboration.
The course began immediately after the inauguration at BIDA’s Training Room-1, with 38 officials participating – 30 from BIDA, 4 from BEZA, and 4 from BEPZA. Classes are scheduled twice a week, on Sundays and Wednesdays, from 4:00 PM to 5:40 PM, over the 15-week period.
Other dignitaries present included Xia Daojing, third secretary of the Chinese Embassy; Ma Xiaoyan, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute; and instructors Huang Xinran and Li Yuanxi.
The initiative is part of Bangladesh’s effort to strengthen economic and cultural ties with China, equipping officials with practical language skills to better facilitate investment and trade in the years ahead.