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

[Saif]

Bangladesh, China set to elevate trade ties to new level: ambassador Yao

Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said the visit of the largest-ever business delegation in Bangladesh from China led by Chinese minister of commerce Wang Wentao later this month would send a ‘strong signal’ of openness, cooperation and mutual benefit, and will elevate the...

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Bangladesh, China set to elevate trade ties to new level: ambassador Yao
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 08 May, 2025, 13:28

Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen.

Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said the visit of the largest-ever business delegation in Bangladesh from China led by Chinese minister of commerce Wang Wentao later this month would send a ‘strong signal’ of openness, cooperation and mutual benefit, and will elevate the Bangladesh-China economic and trade relations to a new level.

‘We are confident that this visit will send a strong signal of openness, cooperation and mutual benefit, and will elevate China-Bangladesh economic and trade relations to a new level,’ he said at a programme here, adding that Chinese minister of commerce will lead more than 100 Chinese investors to visit Bangladesh at the end of this month.

During the visit, the two sides will co-host a trade and investment exchange event, where hundreds of Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises will engage and explore more cooperation opportunities.

Ambassador Yao said the 15th meeting of the Bangladesh-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission will be held to agree on concrete measures to further our economic and trade cooperation.

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the country lecture on ‘Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations: Towards a New Height’ at the BIISS auditorium.

BIISS director general Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered welcome remarks while its chairman AFM Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the session. Executive director of the Centre for Alternatives, Bangladesh Imtiaz Ahmed made a presentation.​

 

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Construction of Chinese economic zone gains momentum

The construction of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram has gained momentum nearly a decade after its initiation, as Dhaka and Beijing look to strengthen bilateral ties and punishing Trump tariffs prompt Chinese manufacturers to consider relocating factories.

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Construction of Chinese economic zone gains momentum

The construction of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram has gained momentum nearly a decade after its initiation, as Dhaka and Beijing look to strengthen bilateral ties and punishing Trump tariffs prompt Chinese manufacturers to consider relocating factories.

Of the 784 acres designated for the economic zone in Anwara upazila of the port city, around 60 acres have been prepared for investors.

Utility services are also being put in place. The Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority has installed a pipeline for limited water supply, and Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited has set up a gas station nearby.

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) has also constructed the zone's administrative building and two approach roads.

Some Chinese manufacturers have already visited the site, and officials expect around 200 potential Chinese investors to tour the zone soon.

"A major foreign investment worth over $1 billion is expected from China," said Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and Beza, referring to the recent visit by Chinese investors.

Initiated in 2016 following former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's 2014 visit to China, the project's progress remained sluggish during the previous Awami League government.

However, after the political changeover in August last year, the new interim government showed renewed interest in strengthening trade ties with China — Bangladesh's largest import market.

"We are seeing growing interest from Chinese investors," said a Beza official. The official said that the expected investor visits could open up significant opportunities in apparel and auto manufacturing, electronics, and logistics.

During Sheikh Hasina's visit to China, Beza signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China's Ministry of Commerce. The Bangladesh government later allocated Tk 420 crore for the first phase, partly funded by Chinese loans.

As per the deal, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited was appointed as the developer, but progress stalled due to unresolved lease and development agreements, prompting Beza to terminate the partnership in April 2022.

In July 2022, China Road and Bridge Corporation was picked as the new developer, and Beza signed a cooperation agreement to restart the project.

Located about 270 kilometres south of Dhaka, the zone could attract $1.5 billion in investment and create more than 200,000 jobs, according to Beza.

A "special purpose company" will be formed to manage and oversee operations in the economic zone.

To improve connectivity, the Roads and Highways Department is preparing to float a tender for a connecting road linking the zone with the Korean Export Processing Zone via the Karnaphuli tunnel.

A detailed project proposal has been submitted to the Chief Adviser's Office for preliminary review and is expected to be placed before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) later this month.

Bida Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said some Chinese investors are planning to start with a factory in Phase 1 of the economic zone.

"We're working on finalising the developer agreement. Once signed, construction will commence," he said, adding that the process may take up to two years.

He added that some investors could begin industrial construction early in the development phase. Regular dialogue with investors will continue to ensure smooth progress.

Meanwhile, another China-backed project, Chandpur Economic Zone-1, is also making headway under a government-to-government framework.

Proposed by the Power Construction Corporation of China Ltd (PowerChina), the zone will span 3,038 acres on an island in Matlab upazila.

Currently, a feasibility study is underway.

Due to the zone's isolated location on the Meghna river and limited mainland access, the focus will be on renewable energy and agro-based industries rather than conventional manufacturing, according to officials.

Once the feasibility study is complete, the proposal will be submitted to the Ecnec.​

 

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China urges Bangladesh to improve investment climate

China has sought a better investment climate in Bangladesh as its businesses are ready to set up establishments here, officials said on Tuesday. They said many Chinese businesses at a working-group meeting in Dhaka last week expressed their willingness to invest in Bangladesh and stressed the need

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

China urges Bangladesh to improve investment climate
Chinese businesses want to set up establishments here
FHM HUAMAYN KABIR
Published :
May 21, 2025 00:58
Updated :
May 21, 2025 00:58

China has sought a better investment climate in Bangladesh as its businesses are ready to set up establishments here, officials said on Tuesday.

They said many Chinese businesses at a working-group meeting in Dhaka last week expressed their willingness to invest in Bangladesh and stressed the need to improve the business climate

The 'impoverished business climate' has long been preventing them from moving ahead with their plans, they pointed out at the meeting of the joint Bangladesh-China Working Group (WG) on economic cooperation and investment.

The meeting was held after a six-year hiatus.

Representatives from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of Bangladesh were present at the meeting.

Presided over by ERD Additional Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, the WG discussed details on the prospects of investment and economic cooperation between Beijing and Dhaka.

The meeting was held ahead of the Bangladesh-China Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting which is expected to be held in Dhaka on June 1.

China is the largest trading partner of Bangladesh. In the last fiscal year (FY 2023-24), Bangladesh imported goods worth US$16.637 billion, 26.40 per cent of the country's total imports, showing higher demand for Chinese products in Bangladesh.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, China, including Hong Kong, has emerged as a significant investor in Bangladesh, with FDI reaching $2.789 billion as of December 2024, making it the country's second-largest investor.

Chinese enterprises are actively involved in various sectors such as textiles, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge and Karnaphuli Tunnel in Chattogram.

Many Chinese companies are also looking to diversify their production bases, particularly due to rising production costs and geopolitical tensions, making Bangladesh a potential destination for their "China Plus One" strategy.

Meanwhile, a leader of the Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) said that while Bangladesh actively seeks to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly from China, a number of persistent challenges in its business climate are making Chinese companies reluctant to fully commit to the investment.

Despite Bangladesh's strategic location, competitive labour costs, and ongoing efforts to establish economic zones, concerns over bureaucratic hurdles, infrastructural deficiencies, policy inconsistencies, and a lack of transparency continue to deter substantial inflow of Chinese capital, he said, requesting anonymity.

An official, who attended the Working Group meeting at ERD last week, told the FE that the Chinese investors are contemplating to invest in Bangladesh, but the country's impoverished business climate is discouraging them.

The Chinese side urged the Bangladesh side to improve the business climate that included simplification of the licencing system, easy access to land and energy, stable government policy on investment, and repatriation of profits, said the official.

"We have apprised the Chinese side of the government's initiatives to improve the business climate," he added.

The enthusiasm of the Chinese investors is often met with significant operational difficulties on the ground.

Key concerns frequently voiced by the Chinese businesses and acknowledged by analysts include bureaucratic complexities and administrative inefficiency, lengthy approval procedures, convoluted customs processes, and a general lack of efficiency in the government agencies.

These concerns are leading to significant delays and increased costs for investors.

Obtaining necessary permits and licences can be a time-consuming and complicated ordeal, they said.

Despite progress in some areas, Bangladesh still faces an infrastructure deficit. Unstable electricity and gas supplies, port congestion, and underdeveloped transport networks contribute to higher production costs and reduced investor confidence, analysts say.

The slow pace of economic zone implementation-including the one proposed for Chinese investors in Anwara-further illustrates these difficulties, insiders said.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has taken steps to improve the situation.

The Bangladesh government has initiated the development of large-scale economic zones and is working on merging its regional investment promotion agencies to streamline the FDI process.

The interim government has also expressed a strong desire to attract more Chinese investment, especially in sectors like healthcare, solar panel manufacturing, and high-value textiles.

However, for Bangladesh to fully capitalise on China's industrial relocation and attract a higher volume of Chinese investment, fundamental reforms are crucial.

Addressing the core issues of administrative inefficiency, corruption, infrastructure gaps, and policy instability will be key to fostering a truly investment-friendly environment and building long-term trust with Chinese and other foreign investors.

Without these systemic improvements, Bangladesh risks falling behind regional competitors in the race for crucial FDI, analysts said.​

 

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Bangladesh to begin mango export to China on May 28: Agri Secretary

Bangladesh is going to export mango to China for the first time on May 28 next, Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian said on Wednesday. He revealed this information at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon. Emdad Ullah said about 50 metric tonnes of mangoes

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh to begin mango export to China on May 28: Agri Secretary
BSS
Published :
May 21, 2025 19:13
Updated :
May 21, 2025 22:12

Bangladesh is going to export mango to China for the first time on May 28 next, Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian said on Wednesday.

He revealed this information at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon.

Emdad Ullah said about 50 metric tonnes of mangoes will be exported to China this year, while talks are on with Chinese provisional governments and the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka to export more mangoes to China.

Besides, he said, the agriculture ministry has taken various initiatives to explore more international markets for Bangladeshi mangoes.

The agriculture secretary said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at a meeting today directed them to explore new international markets for mangoes by assessing country-specific need and demand of mangoes.

He said a big initiative regarding mango is going to be taken by the agriculture ministry, which will be visible soon.

In addition, Emdad Ullah said the government has taken steps to export Bangladeshi jackfruits to China.

About 27 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes is produced in the country each year, he said, adding that mango is a seasonal fruit and activities are underway to export mangoes abroad.

He said about 31,100 metric tonnes of mangoes was exported in 2022-23, while 1,321 tonnes in 2023-24.

On the other hand, he said, mango production was 27 lakh metric tonnes in 2022-23 and 24.5 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24.

The agriculture secretary said Bangladesh produces on average 25 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes each year while it exports 1,000 to 3,000 metric tonnes.

There is a demand of Bangladeshi mangoes around the world as it is delicious to eat, he said.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Additional Secretary Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman was present at the press briefing.

Earlier, in March 2025, China expressed its interest to import mango, guava and jackfruit from Bangladesh.​

 

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Trade confce between Bangladesh and China June 1

A daylong ‘Bangladesh-China Conference on Investment and Trade’ will be held on June 1 at ‘Biniyog Bhaban’ (Investment Building) in the city...

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Trade confce between Bangladesh and China June 1
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 26 May, 2025, 22:59

A daylong ‘Bangladesh-China Conference on Investment and Trade’ will be held on June 1 at ‘Biniyog Bhaban’ (Investment Building) in the city.

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority are going to jointly organise the event.

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to inaugurate the conference as the chief guest while China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao is also expected to join the event.

Around 250 investors and businessmen from about 100 Chinese companies will take part in the conference. The unprecedented scale of the delegation includes representatives from China’s textile, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and agro sectors.

For joining the event, Wang is scheduled to land in the city around noon on 31 May.

During the conference, Chinese and Bangladeshi business representatives will participate in five separate match-making sessions throughout the day, focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment.

According to BIDA officials, sessions will cover sectors such as ready-made garments and textiles, agro-processing, ICT, electronics, and others.​

 

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Yunan explores cross-border trade cooperation

A high-level Chinese delegation led by Liu Jie, deputy director of the Lancang-Mekong Sub-regional Economic and Trade Development Centre of the Department of Commerce in Yunnan province, held a meeting on Monday with Anwar Hossain, vice-chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh...

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Yunan explores cross-border trade cooperation
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 26 May, 2025, 23:00

A high-level Chinese delegation led by Liu Jie, deputy director of the Lancang-Mekong Sub-regional Economic and Trade Development Centre of the Department of Commerce in Yunnan province, held a meeting on Monday with Anwar Hossain, vice-chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh.

The meeting focused on enhancing cross-border trade cooperation between Yunnan and Bangladesh, said a press release.

The EPB vice-chairman provided the delegation with a clear picture of the potential export sectors, investment opportunities, and the way forward to reduce the existing trade gap between the two countries.

During the discussion, the Chinese delegation offered free warehouse facilities and a dedicated product showcase center for Bangladeshi goods in Yunnan.

This initiative aims to support Bangladeshi exporters in gaining better access to the Chinese market, the largest consumer market in the world.

To ensure effective participation of Bangladesh in the upcoming China-South Asia Expo, scheduled to be held from June 19-24, 2025, the delegation assured its support in organising business matchmaking meetings between Bangladeshi exporters and potential Chinese buyers.

This is expected to boost trade ties and promote new export opportunities.

In a significant development for the agricultural sector, the delegation also assured facilitation of market access for Bangladeshi fruit exporters, helping them enter and expand in the Chinese market.

The meeting was also attended by director general (DG) of the EPB Baby Rani Karmokar and its director (Policy) Abu Mukhles Alamgir Hossain.

Officials from the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI), and representatives from the Bangladesh Agro-Processors’ Association (BAPA), the Fresh Vegetables, Fruits and Allied Exporters Association, the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), along with concerned exporters were also present.

The discussions mark a promising step toward deeper economic collaboration between Bangladesh and Yunnan Province under the broader framework of the Lancang-Mekong regional cooperation.​

 

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Mango exports to China begins Wednesday

The first consignment of Bangladeshi mangoes will be exported to China on Wednesday and will soon be available in the Chinese market, marking a significant step in agricultural trade between the two countries. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen will join

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Mango exports to China begins Wednesday

UNB
Published :
May 27, 2025 21:35
Updated :
May 27, 2025 21:35

The first consignment of Bangladeshi mangoes will be exported to China on Wednesday and will soon be available in the Chinese market, marking a significant step in agricultural trade between the two countries.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen will join an event marking the export which will be held at the CIP gate of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, a senior official told UNB on Tuesday.

Agriculture Secretary Md Emdad Ullah Mian announced the development at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on May 21. “Following Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’s recent visit to China, the government has intensified efforts to export agricultural products, especially mangoes, to the Chinese market. A shipment of mangoes will be sent from Bangladesh to China this month,” he said.

The secretary added that the government has taken up a long-term plan to ensure the sustainability and timeliness of mango exports to China. “This initiative is part of a broader food security strategy aimed at ensuring safe and nutritious food for all by 2050,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Yao recently said that the upcoming visit of the largest-ever business delegation from China, led by Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, would send a “strong signal” of openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit.

The minister is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on May 31 with a delegation of more than 100 Chinese investors. During the visit, the two sides will co-host a trade and investment exchange event, where hundreds of Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises are expected to engage and explore further cooperation opportunities.

Ambassador Yao also shared that procedures for importing Bangladeshi jackfruit and guava are ongoing. “We hope that Bangladesh can soon open up Hilsa exports to China—after all, Chinese foodies can’t wait to enjoy this delicious fish on their dining tables,” he said.​

 

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Maiden mango export to China initiates export diversification

Bangladesh Wednesday sent the maiden consignment of mangoes to China to open wider avenues of diversifying its export basket and enhance its trade on the vast market, officials said. Commerce Adviser of the interim government Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Chinese Ambassador in Bangladesh Yao Wen inaugura

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Chinese minister due Saturday with big delegation
Maiden mango export to China initiates export diversification

FE REPORT
Published :
May 29, 2025 00:39
Updated :
May 29, 2025 00:39

Bangladesh Wednesday sent the maiden consignment of mangoes to China to open wider avenues of diversifying its export basket and enhance its trade on the vast market, officials said.

p16-mango-airportCommerce Adviser of the interim government Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Chinese Ambassador in Bangladesh Yao Wen inaugurated the mango-export event at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), amid an ambiance of optimism about trade expansion.

Mr Bashir termed this the beginning of a new journey in the history of fruit export of the country and hoped mango exports could be increased ten times this year.

He also pointed out that the mangoes are entering the Chinese market duty-free under a new trade-facilitation framework, helping address the bilateral trade imbalance and boost agricultural exports.

"This is just the beginning. We are working to open up new markets in Japan and Europe for Bangladeshi agricultural products."

The consignment was sent to Changsha's Hunan Province. The initial shipment consists of 10 tonnes of fresh mangoes, while Bangladesh aims to export up to 100 tonnes to China this season, officials said.

A freighter of Chinese carrier SF Express operated the flight carrying the mangoes, Chinese embassy officials said.

Mr Bashir, a business magnet-turned functionary in charge of commerce ministry, also hopes the upcoming visit of the Chinese commerce minister will pave the way for huge Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

The Chinese minister is leading the biggest-ever business delegation from China to Bangladesh, the commerce advisor told the function.

"He is a very senior figure in the present administration and a significant development as regards trade and investment between the two countries is expected during his visit," he said.

Responding to a question he said the suspension of the transshipment facilities by India for RMG export did not impact the apparel export of Bangladesh.

The government has taken several steps to expand the air-cargo facilities for exporters, he mentioned.

The Chinese Ambassador, Yao Wen, in his address billed this as a 'historic moment'

"The entry of Bangladeshi mangoes to the Chinese market will not only help expand the bilateral trade volume and improve trade imbalances, more importantly, it reflects the mutually beneficial and win-win essence of our economic cooperation," he said.

Grown in the fertile soils of the Ganges Delta, Bangladeshi mangoes represent green and high-quality agricultural produce, he said, adding that for Chinese consumers, it means more diversified choices in the vegetable basket, and will surely enhance people's wellbeing.

"For Bangladesh, the vast potential of the Chinese market will directly drive industrial upgrading in the mango sector, create more employment opportunities, and contribute to Bangladesh's socioeconomic development.

"Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed out on several occasions that China's door of opening up will not close, but will only open wider and wider."

He affirms that the exportation of Bangladeshi mangoes to China is just a starting point as China has already initiated market-access review for Bangladeshi guavas and jackfruits.

"We are also discussing import of raw animal hides from Bangladesh, and look forward to the export of Hilsa to China. I am confident that in the near future, an increasing number of high-quality Bangladeshi agricultural products will be stocked on the shelves of Chinese supermarkets, bringing more tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries."

Referring to 'volatile and unstable' international landscape he said the trade wars unilaterally initiated by the United States have severely disrupted the stability of the global economic order.

"All countries, including China and Bangladesh, call for a peaceful world and a stable international environment. China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to continue upholding mutual respect, mutual support, equality, and win-win cooperation."

About the upcoming visit of Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, he said the minister will lead a delegation consisting of over 100 Chinese companies.

He notes that this visit will be a significant opportunity for business communities of both countries to explore more cooperation opportunities, foster more fruitful outcomes in China-Bangladesh economic and trade cooperation, and thereby "elevate our Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to new heights".​