[🇧🇩] China is a Time Tested Friend and a Strategic Partner of Bangladesh

[Saif]

This will be the most important visit by any Bangladesh leader

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen says ahead of Yunus' visit

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This will be the most important visit by any Bangladesh leader
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen says ahead of Yunus' visit

Shafiqul Alam

Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus' scheduled visit to China from March 26-29 is going to be the "most important visit" by a Bangladesh leader over the last 50 years as the two countries are eyeing to take the relations to a new height.

CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said this quoting Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen after he called on the chief adviser at the state guest house Jamuna today to discuss the upcoming visit to China.

Shafiqul was addressing the press at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

The CA's press secretary said a big focus will be given on relocation of Chinese factories to Bangladesh to make the country a manufacturing hub.

"We want to create a revolution in the manufacturing sector," said the press secretary, adding that it helps create more jobs and boost export from Bangladesh to the global market.

He said there will be a series of engagements during the CA's China visit.

Highlighting the outcomes of the meeting, Shafiqul said the Boao Forum for Asia is called Davos of the East where top leaders of Asia and different countries and chief executive officers (CEOs) of giant global firms participate.

On the sidelines of the forum, he said, Yunus is likely to have meetings with CEOs of some companies.

Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set hold their first ever bilateral meeting on March 28.

The CA is expected to attend a programme on March 29 at the Peking University and will return to Dhaka at night (same day).

As per the plans, the chief adviser will first attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province.

On March 27, Yunus is scheduled to participate in the inaugural plenary session of the BFA and Executive Vice President of the State Council will meet the Chief Adviser the same day.

On August 25 last year, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed the Chinese leadership's invitation to Yunus to visit China at his convenience.​

 

[Saif]

২৬ মার্চ চীন যাচ্ছেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টা, বাংলাদেশে কারখানা স্থানান্তরে সর্বোচ্চ গুরুত্ব: প্রেস সচিব

‘চট্টগ্রাম বন্দরের সক্ষমতা কত দ্রুত বাড়ানো যায়—সে বিষয়টিও আলোচনায় স্থান পাবে।’

bangla.thedailystar.net

২৬ মার্চ চীন যাচ্ছেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টা, বাংলাদেশে কারখানা স্থানান্তরে সর্বোচ্চ গুরুত্ব: প্রেস সচিব

ফরেন সার্ভিস একাডেমিতে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার প্রেস উইংয়ের সংবাদ সম্মেলন। ছবি: বাসস

প্রধান উপদেষ্টা অধ্যাপক ড. মুহাম্মদ ইউনূস আগামী ২৬ মার্চ চার দিনের জন্য চীন সফরে যাচ্ছেন। এই সফরের মধ্য দিয়ে বাংলাদেশ-চীন সম্পর্ক নতুন উচ্চতায় নিয়ে যেতে চায় অন্তর্বর্তী সরকার।

প্রধান উপদেষ্টার চীন সফর নিয়ে আজ রোববার ঢাকায় রাষ্ট্রীয় অতিথি ভবন যমুনায় অধ্যাপক ইউনূস ও চীনের রাষ্ট্রদূত ইয়াও ওয়েন বৈঠক করেছেন।

পরে ফরেন সার্ভিস একাডেমিতে এক প্রেস ব্রিফিংয়ে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার প্রেস সচিব শফিকুল আলম এ কথা জানান।

প্রধান উপদেষ্টার চীন সফরসূচি তুলে ধরে শফিকুল আলম বলেন, এই সফরের সময় চীনের প্রেসিডেন্ট শি জিনপিংয়ের সঙ্গে বেইজিংয়ে ২৮ মার্চ অধ্যাপক ইউনূসের দ্বিপক্ষীয় বৈঠক হবে। সেখানে দু'দেশের দ্বিপক্ষীয় সব বিষয় নিয়ে আলাপ হবে।

তিনি বলেন, 'অধ্যাপক মুহাম্মদ ইউনূস গত ৮ আগস্ট অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারের দায়িত্ব গ্রহণের পর এটি হবে তার প্রথম দ্বিপক্ষীয় সফর।'

প্রেস সচিব বলেন, অন্তর্বর্তী সরকার বাংলাদেশকে একটা বৈশ্বিক ম্যানুফেকচারিং হাব (উৎপাদন কেন্দ্র) হিসেবে গড়ে তুলতে চায়। সে লক্ষ্যে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার সফরে চীনের কারখানাগুলোকে কীভাবে বাংলাদেশে স্থানান্তর করা যায়, সে বিষয়টি আলোচনায় সর্বোচ্চ গুরুত্ব পাবে।

অধ্যাপক ইউনূসের সফরসূচির বিষয়ে শফিকুল আলম বলেন, ২৬ মার্চ চীনে পৌঁছাবেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টা। এরপর ২৭ মার্চ তিনি চীনের হাইনান প্রদেশে অনুষ্ঠেয় বোয়াও ফোরাম ফর এশিয়া (বিএফএ) সম্মেলনে বক্তব্য দেবেন।

প্রেস সচিব বলেন, বিএফএকে বলা হয়—প্রাচ্যের দাভোস। এই সম্মেলনে এশিয়ার শীর্ষস্থানীয় নেতা এবং বড় বড় প্রতিষ্ঠানের প্রধান নির্বাহীরা যোগ দেবেন। আমরা আশা করছি, বিএফএ সম্মেলনের সাইডলাইনে চীনসহ অন্যান্য দেশের বড় বড় প্রতিষ্ঠানের প্রধান নির্বাহীদের সঙ্গে বৈঠক হবে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার।

সফরকালে অধ্যাপক ইউনূস পিকিং বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ে বক্তৃতা করবেন এবং এই বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় থেকে তাকে অনারারি ডক্টরেট ডিগ্রি দেওয়া হবে। এছাড়া তিনি চীনের হাইটেক পার্ক পরিদর্শন করবেন বলে জানান প্রেস সচিব।

শীর্ষস্থানীয় কোম্পানির প্রধান নির্বাহীদের সঙ্গে বৈঠকের প্রসঙ্গে তিনি বলেন, বাংলাদেশকে ম্যানুফেকচারিং হাব হিসেবে গড়ে তোলার বিষয়ে তাদের সঙ্গে আলোচনা হবে। তিনি বলেন, চীনের সঙ্গে সম্পর্কটা নতুন উচ্চতায় নিয়ে যেতে চান অধ্যাপক ইউনূস।

শফিকুল আলম জানান, বৈঠকে চীনের রাষ্ট্রদূত বলেছেন যে, বাংলাদেশের সঙ্গে চীনের কূটনৈতিক সম্পর্কের ৫০ বছর পূর্তিতে বাংলাদেশের সরকার প্রধানের জন্য এই সফরটি হবে অত্যন্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ।

প্রেস সচিব বলেন, এই সফরে অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারের পক্ষ থেকে মূল ফোকাস থাকবে চীনের কোম্পানিগুলো যেন তাদের কারখানা বাংলাদেশে স্থানান্তর করে।

তিনি বলেন, গতবছর জাতিসংঘ সম্মেলনের সাইডলাইনে অনুষ্ঠিত চীনের পররাষ্ট্রমন্ত্রীর সঙ্গে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার বৈঠকে অধ্যাপক ইউনূস চীনের নবায়নযোগ্য জ্বালানি কোম্পানিকে বাংলাদেশে বিনিয়োগের আহ্বান জানিয়েছিলেন।

তিনি জানান, প্রধান উপদেষ্টার আহ্বানে সাড়া দিয়ে চীনের দু'টি কোম্পানি ইতোমধ্যে বাংলাদেশে অফিস স্থাপন এবং সোলার এনার্জিতে বিনিয়োগের সিদ্ধান্ত নিয়েছে।

শফিকুল আলম বলেন, চীনের সোলার কোম্পানি ট্রেড প্রোটেকশনের কারণে অনেক ক্ষেত্রে তাদের বিনিয়োগে বাধাগ্রস্ত হচ্ছে। কিন্তু বাংলাদেশে তারা কোনো বাধার সম্মুখীন হবেন না।

তিনি জানান, চট্টগ্রাম বন্দরের সক্ষমতা কত দ্রুত বাড়ানো যায়—সে বিষয়টিও আলোচনায় স্থান পাবে।

তিনি আরও জানান, বৈঠকে চীনের রাষ্ট্রদূত বলেছেন, ৫ আগস্ট গণঅভ্যুত্থানের পরে অন্য যেকোনো দেশের তুলনায় চীনের কোম্পানিগুলো সর্বোচ্চ বিনিয়োগ করেছে।

প্রেস সচিব বলেন, আশা করছি এই সফরের পর আরও চীনা কোম্পানি বাংলাদেশে আসবে। চীনের হাসপাতাল চেইন যেন বাংলাদেশে যৌথ বিনিয়োগ করে—সে বিষয়ে আলোচনা হবে বলে উল্লেখ করেন তিনি।​

 

[Saif]

Chinese solar panel giant Longi to invest in Bangladesh: envoy

Longi, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the world, has decided to set up an office and invest in solar panel manufacturing in Bangladesh, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said in Dhaka Sunday.

en.prothomalo.com

Chinese solar panel giant Longi to invest in Bangladesh: envoy
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 16 Mar 2025, 20: 57

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Sunday, 16 March 2025. BSS

Longi, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the world, has decided to set up an office and invest in solar panel manufacturing in Bangladesh, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said in Dhaka today, Sunday.

The ambassador said several top Chinese solar panel manufacturers visited Bangladesh in December to explore opportunities to invest in the country.

They made the visit after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended an invitation to Chinese companies to relocate their manufacturing plants here as part of the Interim Government's plan to turn the country into an economic hub, Chief Adviser Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.

Ambassador Yao Wen said, of the companies that visited Bangladesh, at least two Chinese firms, including Longi, have decided to set up offices and plants in the country.

"They will invest in Bangladesh very soon," he told Chief Adviser Prof Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna here.

Yao Wen said Chinese firms have been the largest investors in Bangladesh since 5 August, when the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power.

He said dozens of Chinese companies have lined up to invest in Bangladesh as a dedicated Chinese export processing zone is expected to work soon.

The envoy said the upcoming official visit of the Chief Adviser to China would be the most important one in the 50-year-long relationship between the two 'trustworthy" and close friends.

Prof Yunus welcomed more Chinese investors in Bangladesh, saying the country can be a top manufacturing hub for companies that want to export goods to Western nations.

He urged Chinese hospital chains to set up top clinics here or build joint venture healthcare facilities with their Bangladeshi counterparts.

"Bangladesh needs massive investment in healthcare. The Chinese hospital chains now have unique opportunities to construct hospitals here," he said.

The ambassador said China has dedicated four hospitals in the southern Chinese city of Kunming for Bangladeshi patients. A group of Bangladeshi people travelled to Kunming last week for treatment.

The ambassador said Peking University, one of the world's top educational institutions, would confer an honorary doctorate to Prof Yunus during the visit.

The Chief Adviser would also speak at the university.

During the visit, the first bilateral foreign tour of the Chief Adviser, he would join and speak at the Boao Forum, considered the Davos of the East, where top leaders and CEOs gather every year to discuss top global issues.

Prof Yunus would deliver a speech on 'Asia in a Changing World: Towards a Shared Future'. The Chinese executive vice premier will also join him during the session.

The Bangladesh Chief Adviser is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on 28 March. The two countries will issue a joint statement after the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

The dragon and the delta

A new chapter in Bangladesh-China relations

www.thedailystar.net

The dragon and the delta
A new chapter in Bangladesh-China relations

Visual: Anwar Sohel

There are rivers, and then there are currents. The rivers of Bangladesh—Padma, Meghna, Jamuna—run deep, shaping land, destiny and commerce. But currents, the unseen forces that dictate the flow of history, are harder to chart.

The tides of geopolitics, the undercurrents of trade wars, the ripples of power shifts—all dictate the future of nations. In this interplay, Bangladesh and China are not merely drifting neighbours; they are architects of a shared destiny, bound by history, ambition and a blueprint for the future.

Recent events have added urgency to this discourse. A 21-member delegation, of which I was a part, embarked on a journey to Beijing, not as idle emissaries but as active negotiators of Bangladesh's place in the unfolding Asian century. In meetings with high-ranking officials of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) and the foreign ministry, we presented a vision for an elevated partnership. The response? Enthusiastic endorsement.

What followed was not mere diplomatic pleasantries but a recognition: Bangladesh is ready to be more than a recipient of Chinese investments; it is ready to be a strategic collaborator, a manufacturing force, and a regional stabiliser.

Bengal's entanglement with China predates modern geopolitics. In the fourth century, Fa-hsien chronicled the culture of the Gangetic delta, and in the seventh century, Hiuen Tsang met King Harshavardhana, bearing testimony to ancient ties of scholarship and trade. Fifteenth century navigator Ma Huan, who sailed under Admiral Zheng He, described Bengal's bustling ports, its Muslim rulers, and the mercantile energy that linked it to the Chinese court.

In matters of spirit, even the revered Shah Jalal of Sylhet found a place in Chinese records, further cementing centuries-old exchanges.

These were not just transactions; they were threads in a grander fabric, one that today unfolds in the shape of economic corridors, industrial parks, and transcontinental supply chains.

As China ascends to the heights of artificial intelligence and high-tech industries, it leaves behind a vacancy—a space for manufacturing to migrate. Vietnam has seized the opportunity. So has Indonesia. Why not Bangladesh?

DeepSeek, China's latest foray into AI, signals a shift, one where China will export not just goods but knowledge while relocating its traditional industries elsewhere. Bangladesh, with its labour force, its strategic location, and its deepening ties through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), must make the case for itself. The investments that were put on hold due to political uncertainties must be rekindled, and Bangladesh should position itself as the next re-export hub for Chinese goods, optimising trade routes, reducing costs, and sustaining China's access to global markets.

Of all the shadows looming over Bangladesh, none is darker than the crisis in Myanmar. The Rohingya crisis is not just a humanitarian catastrophe; it is a geopolitical fault line. Without stability in Myanmar, Bangladesh's security remains fragile.

China's influence in Naypyidaw is undeniable. Yet, for too long, Bangladesh has been a passive observer, waiting for Beijing to pressure the Myanmar junta into action. The delegation pressed the case: China must do more. The repatriation of the Rohingya, the stabilisation of Rakhine state, and the assurance that Myanmar does not descend into prolonged chaos are matters that Beijing cannot afford to ignore. The response? A willingness to engage, to mediate, and to ensure that the next Bangladesh government finds a stable eastern frontier.

The world is in flux. The US, China and India form a triad of competing interests in South Asia. Bangladesh's geography has placed it at the crossroads of this rivalry, but geography is not destiny—policy is. Rather than picking sides, Bangladesh can be a bridge between these global powers, leveraging its historical closeness with India, its growing ties with China, and its strategic importance to the US.

This is not about neutrality but about active diplomacy—playing the role of mediator, connector, and stabiliser in an increasingly multipolar world.

The meetings in China were not just about rhetoric. They were about plans, commitments, and structured collaboration. The 11-point charter, adopted by the delegation and welcomed by the CPC, outlines the next steps: strategic alignment for regional stability; positioning Bangladesh in global trade shifts; strengthening logistics and trade routes; advancing technological partnerships; expanding trade and cultural exchange; building a sustainable industrial base; expanding military manufacturing ties; leveraging China's diplomatic influence for Rohingya repatriation; Teesta River water management; accelerating investment in transport and communications; and developing banking and financial collaboration.

The enthusiasm from China's leadership was not just symbolic. These initiatives are actionable, transformative, and most importantly, mutually beneficial.

The rivers in Bangladesh will always flow towards the sea, but the currents of history can be steered. The Bangladesh-China relations have entered a new era, one where Bangladesh is not just a recipient of investment but a co-creator of the future. The foundation has been laid; the agreements have been acknowledged. The challenge, now, is execution. Will Bangladesh rise to claim its place as a hub of manufacturing, defence co-production, and geopolitical mediation? Or will it allow others to dictate the terms of engagement? The moment demands action, vision, and leadership.

The tide is rising. Bangladesh must set sail.

Bobby Hajjaj is faculty member at North South University (NSU).​

 

[Saif]

China to import mango, guava, jackfruit from Bangladesh: Press Secretary

China will import mango, guava and jackfruit from Bangladesh. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen recently expressed his government's desire to this end at a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka, BSS reports. CA Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam disclosed this

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

China to import mango, guava, jackfruit from Bangladesh: Press Secretary
FE Online Desk
Published :
Mar 20, 2025 19:29
Updated :
Mar 20, 2025 19:29

China will import mango, guava and jackfruit from Bangladesh.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen recently expressed his government's desire to this end at a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka, BSS reports.

CA Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam disclosed this information at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy today (Thursday).

He said the Chief Adviser had earlier requested the Chinese government to import mango, guava and jackfruit from Bangladesh.

Now the Chinese government is very interested in importing these three types of fruits, Alam said, expressing hope that this would open a new horizons for Bangladesh's exports to China.

The Press Secretary said, "We will be able to export jackfruit there on a large scale. Besides, an opportunity has also been created for large-scale mango exports as the Chinese people like Bangladeshi mangoes."

He said standards have to be maintained in the export of mangoes, so the World Food Programme (WFO) is providing USD four million and technical assistance in this regard.

Alam hoped that the trade relations between the two countries would deepen through the Chief Adviser's visit to China. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to begin his four-day visit to China on March 26.

About the decisions of the meeting of the Council of Advisers held today, the Press Secretary said it was informed in the meeting that 172,000 government posts are remained vacant so far.

The Chief Adviser has ordered to take necessary measures to fill these vacant posts, he said.

Replying to a question, Alam said, "We have very good relations with India. Despite the visa complications, our trade with India has increased in the last seven months. We want very good relations with India, but it must be based on fairness, dignity and equality."

Responding to another query, he said, "Four hospitals in Kunming have been dedicated for Bangladesh and Bangladeshi patients, who are intending to receive treatment there.

"This is good news. However, our chief adviser wants Chinese hospital chains come to Bangladesh. Then we will get high-quality Chinese treatment at our doorsteps," he added.

The press secretary said Prof Yunus is inviting big Chinese healthcare companies to invest in Bangladesh and the main focus of his visit this time will be to bring Chinese investment in Bangladesh's health sector.

CA Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and Apurba Jahangir were also present at the briefing.​

 

[Saif]

Yunus' China visit to be 'very productive': envoy

Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to hold their first-ever bilateral meeting on March 28

www.thedailystar.net

Yunus' China visit to be 'very productive': envoy

File photo of Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. File photo

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today today said Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus' visit to China would be "very successful, productive and a milestone visit" with some announcements.

"We are working very closely with Bangladesh... We are still having discussions," he said when a journalist approached him after his meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the foreign ministry.

Responding to a question, Yao said this is something between Bangladesh and China as the two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Regarding the announcement, he said, "Wait and see. We are still working on it."

Talking to reporters briefly, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain said no agreement will be signed during the visit, but a few MoUs are likely to be signed.

"This is going to be the most important visit by a Bangladeshi leader in 50 years," said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, quoting Yao who met Dr Yunus on March 16.

He said a big focus will be given on relocation of Chinese factories to Bangladesh to make the country a manufacturing hub.

Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to hold their first-ever bilateral meeting on March 28.​

 

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Bangladesh sees rising Chinese investment amid trade shifts

Foreign direct investment (FDI) from China in Bangladesh has risen to $2.67 billion as of September 2024, according to official data, cementing China’s position as the country’s second-largest investor.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh sees rising Chinese investment amid trade shifts

Foreign direct investment (FDI) from China in Bangladesh has risen to $2.67 billion as of September 2024, according to official data, cementing China's position as the country's second-largest investor.

This FDI stock includes $1.41 billion from mainland China and $1.26 billion from Hong Kong, according to the Bangladesh Bank (BB), reflecting a broader effort by Chinese firms to diversify amid the US-China trade war.

Bangladesh, with its low-cost labour and expanding industrial base, has emerged as an attractive destination for Chinese companies seeking alternatives to traditional manufacturing hubs.

The textile sector, a pillar of Bangladesh's export economy, has received the largest share of Chinese FDI, totalling $760.14 million. The telecommunications sector has also drawn substantial Chinese investment, with $322.45 million funnelled into expanding 4G and 5G networks.

Beyond these core industries, Chinese capital is flowing into agriculture, energy and pharmaceuticals, strengthening Bangladesh's infrastructure and supply chains.

The trading sector alone has attracted $203.78 million, according to BB data, modernising logistics and enhancing the country's global competitiveness.

Experts say these investments could increase further if Bangladesh creates a more business-friendly environment, making it a prime beneficiary of shifting global trade dynamics.

"By developing infrastructure and fostering a business-friendly environment, Bangladesh can attract more Chinese investment, especially in sectors like electronics, textiles and agriculture," said Al Mamun Mridha, secretary general of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI).

Mridha said the trade war has opened up several opportunities for Bangladesh as Chinese companies look to relocate, especially in the semiconductor industry.

He also highlighted emerging opportunities in agriculture as shifting trade relations increased demand for alternative sources.

Bangladesh's garments and footwear sectors, he said, have great potential, citing Vietnam's rapid progress as an example. Tapping into the sneaker and footwear market could boost exports.

The BCCCI secretary general said other promising sectors include electronics, the blue economy and fisheries.

Advanced technology in fish exports, he added, could enhance Bangladesh's global competitiveness.

Mustafizur Rahman, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said that while China is investing heavily in Vietnam and Cambodia, Bangladesh has yet to attract the same level of commitment.

However, he said the ongoing trade war and evolving global economic conditions have made Bangladesh a viable option for Chinese investors, provided the country seizes the opportunity.

Although Chinese investments are present, Bangladesh has not fully capitalised on its potential. "For instance, we built the Karnaphuli Tunnel, but the special economic zone for China in Chattogram's Anwara is yet to be fully developed," Rahman pointed out.

If China expands its investments, its companies could manufacture in Bangladesh and export not only to China but also to other markets, including the US, minimising the impact of high tariffs, he added.

The US government has imposed an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods recently, limiting market access of "Made in China" products to the American market.

Rahman said that Bangladesh's duty-free access to Europe, the UK and Canada presents a significant advantage in this regard.

Chinese firms could use the country as a gateway to these markets, he said, but attracting greater investment requires an improved business climate and the removal of regulatory barriers.

Riad Mahmud, managing director of National Polymer Group and a non-leather shoe exporter, said that while his company has not yet received investment proposals from China, US buyers have begun inquiring about factory capacity and compliance, often with the assistance of Chinese firms.

Since Bangladesh does not have a dedicated buying house for synthetic shoes, Mahmud said, the industry, less mature than those in China and Vietnam, depends on Chinese companies to access the US market.

He added that both Chinese firms and US buyers increasingly view Bangladesh as a viable alternative to China, leading to a rise in buying inquiries and fresh opportunities for the country.

Meanwhile, the construction of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram has yet to begin, though the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) initiated the project nine years ago to attract foreign investment.

However, there is a possibility of discussions to expedite its implementation during the tenure of the interim government. Besides, Beza is eager to secure approval for the CEIZ's detailed project plan from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), according to sources.

Beza has reported a steady rise in Chinese investment in export processing zones. Between July 2024 and March 2025, 29 investment agreements have been finalised, 19 of which involve Chinese companies.

This growing interest underscores Bangladesh's potential to attract further foreign investment and drive economic growth.​

 

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Yunus to visit China 26 March: Beijing seeks Dhaka’s one-China policy of 2005

Today, Dhaka should not entirely maintain the position on the one-China principle and Taiwan issues like they did in 2005, officials said

en.prothomalo.com

Yunus to visit China 26 March: Beijing seeks Dhaka’s one-China policy of 2005
Bangladesh not to join GDI immediately
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• Announcement of $2.5 billion in grant and loan likely​
• Preparations to sign 7 MoUs​
• Announcement of setting up robotic physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre and some other​

Photo shows Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Chinese president Xi Jinping

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will hold a high-level meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping, and four separate meetings with the representatives of leading Chinese business firms on trade and investment in Beijing on 28 March during his first bilateral visit to China.

According to diplomatic sources of both countries, Bangladesh would emphasise cooperation in economic sector despite it showed desire to strengthen overall political relation ahead of the 50th anniversary of Dhaka-Beijing diplomatic relations, while China would emphasise overall political cooperation focusing one China principle and Bangladesh joining Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative (GDI).

It has been learned after talking to several diplomatic sources that Bangladesh emphasises financing in the financial and development process, but China does not want to focus on economic cooperation in the border perspective of the bilateral relations. China says economic cooperation is a part of the relations. Cooperation should be seen from the political perspective to improve the Dhaka-Beijing relations to next stage, and that is also pragmatic.

Foreign ministry officials told Prothom Alo the Chief Adviser will fly to Hainan province by a Chinese charter plane on 26 March, join the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, initiated by 25 Asian countries and Australia, and then go to Beijing.

Dr Yunus will hold a summit with Chinese president Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 28 March, which will be followed by singing of several memorandums of understating (MoUs) and announcements on cooperation in various sectors. The chief adviser will then join a high-level dialogue with Chinese businesspeople on the same day, which will be followed by three roundtables on trade and investments. The themes of these meetings are production and expansion of new possibility, social business and young entrepreneurs, and investment on sustainable technology and energy sector.

He will also visit the headquarters of leading Chains telecommunication technology company Huawei. Dr Yunus will give a lecture at the Peking University on the last day of his visit on 29 March and leave for Dhaka in the afternoon.

Regarding this, Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin told Prothom Alo, “This visit is very significant on the occasion of the 50th year of the Dhaka-Beijing relations. A new door of cooperation opened recently after China designated four specialised hospitals for Bangladeshi patients. We expect the visit of the chief adviser will facilitate the pathways to the new height of the relations.”

Dhaka's position on one-China principle and Taiwan in 2005

China said they would focus on political aspects including one-China principle and participation of Bangladesh in GDI during the chief adviser’s visit. According to diplomatic sources, this time Bangladesh considered to maintain a soft stance on one-China policy in the joint statement.

But, China said what are the reasons and why Bangladesh changes its position on the one-China principle from the joint-communique issued in 2005? Recently, China sent a copy of the joint-communiqué to Bangladesh. Now Beijing wants Dhaka to strongly supports one-China principle and Taiwan issue as per its stance maintained in 2005.

Then Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Dhaka on 7 April 2005. During this visit, joint-communiqué said Bangladesh reiterated that there is only one China, and that the Government of People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

“Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. Bangladesh opposes Taiwan's membership in any international and regional organisations open to sovereign countries only, and fully support China's peaceful reunification," it said.

Officials in Dhaka said the joint statement issued on 10 July 2024 between Bangladesh and China also stated, “Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle and its position that the Government of the People’s Republic of China represents the whole of China, and Taiwan is part of China, and Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Bilateral relations, however, worsened after the BNP government at that time allowed Taiwan to open its mission in Dhaka. As situation has changed after 5 August 2024 and the Awami League is no longer in office, China will urge Bangladesh to maintain its previous position.

Several government officials said on condition of anonymity nowadays Bangladesh should not entirely maintain the position on the one-China principle and Taiwan issues like the past government of 2005.

Dhaka is not joining GDI now

During the chief adviser’s visit, China wants to emphasise that Dhaka joins the GDI. According to foreign ministry officials, Bangladesh will not join the GDI now, but there will be a progress on it. Dhaka might praise the GDI saying this initiative will be complementary to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and development goals.

A senior official said on condition of anonymity that a support for GDI means Bangladesh is going to join the process. As a result, Dhaka will at least not mention directly this time that it supports GDI.

Issues of talks and negotiations

Overall, many issues, including economy, investment and trade, defence cooperation and geopolitics may get importance during the Yunus-Xi meeting. Bangladesh may give priorities in issues including cooperation in education sector, investment, renewable energy, industrial relocation, air connectivity, and accelerating disbursement of funds for previously announced projects, as well as the issue related to resolving Rohingya crisis.

According to sources, preparations have been taken to sign several MoUs on various issues including USD 1 billion assistance in economic and technical cooperation, human development assistance, disaster control assistance, establishment of Chinese libraries, translation and publication of Chinese classic literature, sports cooperation, as well as cooperation between the state news agencies of both countries.

Besides, several announcements may come on the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, setting up of robotic physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre in cooperation with China, kicking off of talks to sign bilateral investment agreement, inviting 1,000 Bangladeshis to visit China in next five years and Chinese economic zones.

Foreign ministry officials also said issues related to increasing bilateral trade and investment, Rohingya crisis, water cooperation, as well as issues of USD 1.5 billion in assistance in the form of loans with low interest and grants are likely to arise during discussions. Besides, issues of the modernisation of defence facilities or the collection of arms may also arise.​