Bangladesh-China relations date back to the 1970s. Even though China tilted toward Pakistan during Bangladesh's independence war and took time to recognize Bangladesh, over time China-Bangladesh relations deepened. But a lot of untapped potential remains.  The likely visit of a top Chinese leader to Dhaka to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bangladesh-China ties later this year can mark a new milestone in the relationship.

Bangladesh matters to China in multiple dimensions, such as security, geostrategy and economy. In fact, the geostrategic location of Bangladesh, as a gateway for connectivity between Southeast Asia and South Asia, and as a littoral state on the border of the Bay of Bengal that provides an easy access to and from Myanmar and to China's southeastern belly, makes the country particularly important.

China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner, surpassing India from 2004 onward. The volume of bilateral trade was $10.3 billion in 2014 fiscal year, mostly tilted toward China, thus producing a huge trade deficit.

Yet there is paucity of scholarship on Sino-Bangladeshi relations. This field is quite marginal among academic communities both in China and Bangladesh. As theory translates into practice, this neglected area of study needs to be accelerated and there must be a number of joint research projects between Chinese and Bangladeshi scholars that will lead to more intellectual interaction. Educational exchange and cooperation might work as catalyst to promote Sino-Bangladeshi ties.

But cooperation between Chinese and Bangladeshi higher educational institutions remains at a minimal level and needs to be accelerated. Hence, first-tier Chinese universities can sign memorandums of understanding (MoU) with top Bangladeshi universities.

In addition, only a few hundred Bangladeshi students are currently studying in Chinese universities. China needs to increase the current volume of scholarships and fellowships for Bangladeshi students to study in leading Chinese universities since this can promote Chinese soft power.

The two countries could also establish joint study centers. Though there is an existing East Asia Study Center (EASC) under the University of Dhaka, given its resource limitations, the EASC cannot exploit its full potentials. Alongside academics, the role of the media is critically significant to elevate Sino-Bangladeshi ties.

China needs to expand its maritime cooperation with Bangladesh which can ensure a win-win situation. China is an active participant in the promotion of maritime cooperation in the ASEAN Regional Forum and the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific process. After the MoU on maritime cooperation between India and Bangladesh was signed in June this year, China also offered a blue economy deal. Bangladesh needs to utilize this offer to harness the untapped marine resources of the Bay of Bengal.

In addition, given the emerging geostrategic and economic importance of Bangladesh, China can assist in the development of the Port of Chittagong, the Sonadia deep seaport at Mongla, and Paira Port.

China has been showing a keen interest in these port projects for a long time. Given the fact that Bangladesh lacks a deep-sea fishing capacity, further maritime cooperation with other nations, including China, would address the capacity gap.

Bangladesh highly values its ties with China which is clearly demonstrated in Bangladesh's China policy, such as the offering of an Exclusive Economic Zone for China in Chittagong.

Bangladesh is a strong supporter of visionary Chinese projects like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. China also attaches significance to deepening ties which is also manifested in her policy through her economic aid and soft loans for Bangladesh's development.

But since there is still untapped potential like Bangladeshi ready-made garments and agricultural products, the huge potential in the Chinese markets needs to be explored and harnessed for the greater interest of the people of both countries.

The author is Lecturer of the Department of International Relations, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. shariful_ruir@ru.ac.bd