Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen expressed optimism about strengthening mutual cooperation between China and Bangladesh in the social protection sector. During a courtesy meeting on Monday at the Secretariat with Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain and State Minister Farzana Sharmin, Yao Wen said China aims to support Bangladesh’s local communities through initiatives in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation to promote sustainable self-reliance.

The ambassador praised Bangladesh’s Family Card program, noting its popularity among low-income citizens, and said China is interested in deepening friendship and collaboration in social protection alongside infrastructure development. Minister Zahid Hossain described China as a long-standing friend and highlighted its technological advancement, especially in smart card systems. He explained that the Family Card is a database-based digital social protection platform designed to ensure family-centered welfare.

Both sides expressed hope for further strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation. The minister emphasized that China’s experience could help make Bangladesh’s Family Card program more transparent and technology-driven, supporting education, health, nutrition, and women’s empowerment.