DHAKA, June 30 -- Bangladesh's Fire Service and Civil Defense has apparently received a big boost Tuesday with the donation of firefighting apparatus and equipment by China.

As a token of friendship of the Chinese people towards Bangladesh, China donated 100 towing vehicles, 150 water mist fire motorcycle and many other calamity rescue equipment to the country 's Fire Service and Civil Defense.

The items received also include a large fire truck with the capacity of 21,000 liters, a foam tender with the capacity of 15, 000 liters, 250 generators and many equipment that encourages firefighters to tackle emergencies.

Ma Mingqiang, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, handed over the vehicles and equipment to the Bangladeshi authorities in a ceremony on Tuesday morning.

Bangladeshi State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan, while thanking and expressing gratitude to the Chinese government and its people for the contribution, said the calamity rescue equipment will further strengthen the capacity of the department.

He expressed the hope that the friendly country will continue to support and cooperate with Bangladesh in future.

Speaking on the occasion, Ma Mingqiang said Bangladesh and China have a long-standing friendship and good bilateral relations.

China has its responsibility and a role to play in the development of its neighbors and friends as China do believe that development of its own-self is not enough.

From this point of view, he said China has decided to provide the vehicles and calamity rescue equipment to Bangladesh.

He also expressed the hope that China would continue such support in future.

Officials say Fire Service and Civil Defense has been challenged by a shortage of vehicles and equipment, which have significantly hampered its operations.