Full coverage: Xi Visits Cambodia, Bangladesh, Attends BRICS summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to start his visit to Bangladesh on Friday. Ahead of his arrival, CCTV sat down with the Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh. Ambassador Ma Mingqiang says he pins high hopes on this visit to boost cooperation.

A model for international relations. That's how Ambassador Ma Mingqiang describes the ties between China and Bangladesh. Ma says there has been no conflict but just friendship, as both nations treasure peace and treat each other with equality.

"China considers Bangladesh a good neighbor, a good partner and good friend, and Bangladesh also deems China as a long-tested friend and partner in the process of development," Ma said.

Ma says Bangladesh has a population of 160 million and it has been developing fast in the past decade. The nation has great demand for investment in upgrading its infrastructure, such as power supply and telecommunication. China can meet the demands and also benefit from its development.

"Bangladesh has abundant labor resources and a large potential market. By making good use of such advantages, Bangladesh could be a new manufacturing center in the world. I believe Bangladesh has a promising future and China can play an important role in its development," Ma said.

He also expects President Xi's visit to Bangladesh will promote the "Belt and Road" initiative.

"The Belt and Road initiative aims to achieve interconnectivity and that includes infrastructure, capital, people, science and technology. Bangladesh is in need of these. I believe President Xi's visit will largely push the implementation of the initiative forward and I believe Bangladesh is ready for this," Ma said.

It's the first visit for a Chinese head of state to Bangladesh in 30 years and it is hailed as another milestone for bilateral ties.