The assurance came from one of the top leaders of China when Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman called on him here yesterday.

Chairman Jia said both the countries should have to put in their united efforts to expand economic cooperation and minimise the trade imbalance that existed between the two countries.

He said China expected to increase its share of investment in the economic development of Bangladesh.

The minister detailed the initiative taken by the present government to revamp the economy. He said government was successfully implementing development programmes to ensure macro economic stability.

The minister mentioned that the present government has attached high priority to rapid growth for economic emancipation of the common people and taken various programmes for poverty alleviation, rural development, empowerment of women, primary and mass education, micro credit, human recourse development and health care for the benefit of the general mass.

The finance minister recalled the excellent relations that existed between China and Bangladesh.

He thanked the Chinese people for their support in Bangladesh's efforts for development.

The finance minister recalled Chinese contribution to Bangladesh in constructing roads and bridges that had helped this developing nation to attain its targets of self-sufficiency.

The minister said Bangladesh would welcome all new Chinese entrepreneurs as development partners for Bangladesh.

The finance minister also hoped that China would consider steps for reducing widening trade gap with Bangladesh.

The minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's stand to common policy with China relating regional and international peace and stability.