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

Source: https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/wjb_663304/zwjg_665342/zwbd_665378/202401/t20240105_11219041.html

China-Bangladesh Relations in 2023: Laying Solid Foundation for Splendid Future​

（From Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh）​

2023-12-31 23:55
On December 31, 2023, H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, contributed an article titled China-Bangladesh Relations in 2023: Laying Solid Foundation for Splendid Future to the annual publication of Diplomatic Correspondent Association of Bangladesh (DCAB). The full text of the article is as follows:

The international political, economic and security situation has undergone profound changes in 2023. The world has just stepped out of the shadow of the COVID-19 epidemic. All countries are struggling to recover from economic depression. The spillover effects of the Ukraine crisis continue to spread, putting global food and energy security at risk. Certain major countries arbitrarily wield unilateral sanctions, making the situation of the Global South even worse. The conflict between Palestine and Israel makes Gaza a hell on earth, trampling on human conscience and morality day and night. Peace and development, the themes of our times, are facing unprecedented challenges. In this context, China, with an ultimate aim of fostering a new type of international relations and building a community with a shared future for mankind, has actively assumed its responsibilities as a major country, and kept injecting the power of peace, stability and development into the turbulent international situation.

In 2023, China has made significant progress in its major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the BRI has changed the development landscape across the world, and brought tangible benefits to the people of related countries. The 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was successfully held in Beijing, China. Over 10 thousand participants from every corner of the world made a resonating call in one voice for unity, cooperation, openness and win-win. The Forum ushered in a new phase of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation towards realizing the grand vision of world modernization leaving no one behind.

China has also vigorously promoted the Global Development Initiative (GDI), which encourages countries to work together to achieve all seventeen goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as schedule. Under the Global Security Initiative (GSI), China successfully mediated the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and spared no effort in facilitating Bangladesh and Myanmar to repatriate the displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar. China advocates and practices the true multilateralism, and firmly supports the United Nations in playing a central role in international affairs. Like always, China acts as a builder of world peace, contributor to global development, and defender of international order.

China and Bangladesh have jointly carried forward our Strategic Partnership of Cooperation this year. Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held face-to-face talks again after four years, injecting new and strong impetus into the development of China-Bangladesh relations. Throughout the election year of Bangladesh, China has always extended its firm support to Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and opposing external interference. It is our true belief that the upcoming election is an internal affair of Bangladesh, and the future and destiny of Bangladesh should be decided by no one but its own people. China will always stand by the Bangladeshi people in pursuing a better tomorrow. China-Bangladesh relations is based on mutual respect and win-win outcome. It finds its root in the people and truly benefits the people. Thus it is aspired and supported by the people. Any attempt to disrupt or obstruct China-Bangladesh friendship and cooperation would be refused by the two peoples and doomed to failure.

The year of 2023 marks the harvest season of the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Bangladesh. Fourteen mega infrastructure projects have been completed or advanced within the year. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina personally inaugurated the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel and several other projects. China's investment stock in Bangladesh has increased to nearly 1.4 billion USD. Approximately seven hundred Chinese companies are operating in Bangladesh. They have created over 5.5 lakh job opportunities for local people. Facts tell the truth that, on the journey of Bangladesh’s modernization, the BRI is the most befitting development cooperation initiative with Vision 2041 and Smart Bangladesh. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke highly of the BRI that it has opened a new door for Bangladesh’s development.

In 2023, personnel and cultural exchanges between China and Bangladesh have also resurged. China has introduced a series of measures to facilitate international travel between the two countries. Visits and exchanges have increased rapidly between the government authorities, parliaments, militaries, political parties, think tanks, universities, media, youths, artists, athletes and other sectors. On the eve of the International Children’s Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping replied Alifa Chin, a Bangladeshi girl, with a cordial letter, in which he encouraged Bangladeshi youths to dedicate to China-Bangladesh friendship. The letter aroused enthusiastic responses from both countries, injecting new historical significance and contemporary connotation to the China-Bangladesh relations. When Bangladesh fights with the severest dengue epidemic in history, the Chinese Government and people are also deeply affected by the sufferings of the Bangladeshi people. The Chinese side provided a batch of anti-dengue assistance to Bangladesh and deployed it to local hospitals timely. With the joint efforts of the two countries, Bangladesh is expected to overcome the dengue epidemic soon.

Looking ahead, China stands ready to work with Bangladeshi friends from all walks of life, especially the new government, to firmly seize the historical development opportunities, fully translate our economic complementarity into joint competitiveness, and proactively deepen strategic integration under the banner of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. We encourage cross-board exchanges between the two countries. Specifically, China would prioritize infrastructure development, ICT, new energy and agriculture in the cooperation plan. Together, we would uplift China-Bangladesh relations to a higher level on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties.​

 

[Saif]

Duty-free advantage in China: opportunity or illusion?

Bangladesh's trade imbalance with China has continued to rise over the past decade, driven mainly by high imports of industrial goods from its single largest source. While Bangladesh's export earnings from China have remained largely stagnant despite enjoying duty-free access for 98 per cent of its

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Duty-free advantage in China: opportunity or illusion?
Wasi Ahmed

Published :
Dec 02, 2025 22:17
Updated :
Dec 03, 2025 00:40

Bangladesh's trade imbalance with China has continued to rise over the past decade, driven mainly by high imports of industrial goods from its single largest source. While Bangladesh's export earnings from China have remained largely stagnant despite enjoying duty-free access for 98 per cent of its tariff lines, imports have surged to fuel local manufacturing, infrastructure building and industrial expansion. This widening gap has inevitably raised a pressing question: why has Bangladesh been unable to capitalise on its almost fully duty-free status in the vast Chinese market?

The answer, however, is more complex than it appears at first glance. The link between export performance and duty-free access is far from linear. Market entry-even with tariff advantages-depends on a range of factors that go beyond trade preferences. A closer look at Bangladesh-China trade dynamics helps illuminate the structural realities shaping this outcome.

At present, China accounts for roughly 22 per cent of Bangladesh's total imports, dominating the supply of industrial raw materials, intermediate goods, chemicals, fabrics, yarn, accessories, and capital machinery. This heavy import footprint has, over the years, created a deep industrial reliance on Chinese inputs, which traders and analysts say is driven by competitive pricing, consistent quality and reliable availability. From textiles to electronics, leather to construction, Bangladeshi industries depend heavily on Chinese supply lines to keep production running.

Central bank statistics covering FY2019-20 to the first quarter of FY2025-26 show how significantly Bangladesh's import bills from China have outpaced its export receipts. Imports ranged between US$ 11 billion and US$ 20 billion annually, while exports remained confined to around US$ 500-600 million. Imports rose sharply from US$11.49 billion in FY20 to a historic peak of US$ 20.88 billion in FY22, supported by strong domestic manufacturing growth and major infrastructure projects. However, the trend reversed as macroeconomic pressures mounted. Foreign exchange shortages, currency depreciation, and subdued industrial activity pushed imports down to US$ 17.83 billion in FY23 and US$16.64 billion in FY24. The cautious stance continued in FY25, with import LC openings registering US$ 15.48 billion. During the first quarter of FY26, imports stood at US$ 4.04 billion, reflecting restrained industrial demand and a more conservative purchasing outlook.

In stark contrast, Bangladesh's exports to China have shown minimal movement over the same period. Yearly export earnings fluctuated mildly: US$ 595.39 million in FY20, US$ 680.50 million in FY21, US$ 674.62 million in FY22, before dipping to US$ 580.40 million in FY23 and then rising modestly to around US$ 670 million in FY24 and FY25. In the first quarter of FY26, exports reached US$ 190.89 million-consistent with past patterns, but nowhere near the scale required to narrow the deficit meaningfully.

This stagnation persists despite China's duty-free access for 98 per cent of Bangladeshi products. Tariff concessions alone cannot overcome the deeper structural challenges that constrain Bangladesh's export capacity. Several factors lie behind this limited utilisation of market access.

First, Bangladesh's export basket remains narrow. The country relies overwhelmingly on ready-made garments (RMG), a sector in which China itself is a global manufacturing powerhouse. Competing in China's domestic apparel market is very difficult, given its scale, cost efficiency and advanced industrial ecosystem. Beyond garments, Bangladesh has yet to develop diversified, high-value products that resonate with China's evolving consumption patterns.

Second, supply-side constraints weigh heavily on export performance. Bangladeshi firms face limitations in production capacity, quality consistency, product design, and technological sophistication-areas where China excels. Logistics, port efficiency, customs procedures, and transport systems in Bangladesh remain significantly behind Chinese standards, limiting the speed and reliability required for export-oriented supply chains.

Third, Bangladesh has struggled to leverage duty-free access effectively. Without diversified products and strong supply capabilities, preferential tariff access alone cannot stimulate a meaningful increase in exports. Many Bangladeshi firms lack the market intelligence, branding strength, compliance readiness, and long-term export strategies needed to enter and sustain operations in a competitive market like China.

Fourth, there is a clear mismatch between Bangladeshi export offerings and Chinese market demand. China's import preferences have shifted towards higher-value items-technology-infused apparel, specialised textiles, high-grade agro-products, electronics components, machinery parts and advanced materials. Bangladesh is yet to build competitive capacity in these sectors.

Fifth, China's domestic supply chains are exceptionally strong. With efficient manufacturing clusters, cheap logistics, and economies of scale, Chinese producers enjoy inherent advantages. Even when Bangladeshi products enter the market duty-free, competing against China's own low-cost producers becomes extremely challenging.

Adding to these structural barriers are domestic challenges. Political instability, business uncertainty and periodic disruptions in transportation and logistics exacerbate export constraints. Investors-both domestic and foreign-often prefer to maintain a cautious stance, slowing down capital formation in industries that could otherwise diversify Bangladesh's export base.

Experts note that the Bangladesh-China trade imbalance reflects more than just a numerical deficit-it is symptomatic of deeper industrial dependence. Currently, 30-35 per cent of Bangladesh's industrial raw materials and machinery originate from China. This reliance, while difficult to avoid given pricing advantages, makes it harder for Bangladesh to build a competitive manufacturing base capable of producing a broader array of exportable goods.

To reduce the imbalance in the long term, Bangladesh must diversify its sourcing network, encourage local backward-linkage industries and upgrade manufacturing capacities. At the same time, developing new export-oriented sectors-IT services, agro-processed goods, pharmaceuticals, specialised textiles, light engineering and leather goods-can help tap into China's vast and dynamic market.​

 

[Saif]

China-funded dormitory for female DU students likely to break ground next year

Necessary internal administrative procedures on Bangladesh's part completed, Chinese ambassador says

www.thedailystar.net

China-funded dormitory for female DU students likely to break ground next year
Necessary internal administrative procedures on Bangladesh's part completed, Chinese ambassador says

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, and Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan. Photo: DU PRO

Construction of the Chinese government-funded "Bangladesh-China Moitree Hall" for female students of Dhaka University is expected to begin in the first half of next year, said Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen.

He said all necessary internal administrative procedures on Bangladesh's part have already been completed, and a Chinese technical team has arrived in Dhaka. The final decision on the location will be taken within a few days.

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"I hope the construction work will begin in the first half of next year," the ambassador said.

He made the remarks this afternoon while visiting the proposed project area, along with a Chinese expert team tasked with site selection.

Ambassador Yao Wen said the new dormitory would be built to address the urgent need of female students, describing the project as a milestone in China-Bangladesh relations.

"The Chinese government is a trusted friend of Bangladesh, and we are keen to support the expansion of educational opportunities for female students," he added.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan expressed sincere gratitude to the Chinese government and the ambassador for their cooperation in constructing a dormitory for female students.

He said that with China's wholehearted support, the project would be implemented within the shortest possible time, expressing hope that construction work would begin within the next one or two months.

In addition to this dormitory, several more residential halls will be constructed under broader development projects at the university, he said, adding that these initiatives would help ease the accommodation crisis faced by students.

Once implemented, the Bangladesh-China Friendship Hall will provide residential facilities for around 1,500 female students, and the estimated cost of the construction is Tk 244 crore, according to the Dhaka University Public Relations Office.​

 

[Saif]

China pledges continued support as Tarique stresses needs

Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, as Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman said that addressing Bangladesh’s key challenges would require collective efforts and...

www.newagebd.net

China pledges continued support as Tarique stresses needs

Staff Correspondent 08 January, 2026, 00:46

Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, hands over a bouquet to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman before holding a courtesy meeting with him at BNP chairperson’s political office at Ghulshan in Dhaka on Wednesday. | Focus Bangla photo

Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, as Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman said that addressing Bangladesh’s key challenges would require collective efforts and international support.

The ambassador met Tarique at the BNP chairperson’s office at Gulshan in the capital Dhaka where the two sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation, future development and broader political issues.


During the meeting, Tarique said that the two countries had to work together to address all the challenges Bangladesh was facing and that, in this regard, any kind of support was welcome, BNP acting chairman’s press secretary Saleh Shibli told New Age after the meeting.

After the meeting, BNP joint secretary general Humayun Kabir told reporters that the meeting was cordial in nature and included an exchange of pleasantries alongside discussions on prospective development programmes and cooperation initiatives.

During the meeting, the Chinese envoy reaffirmed that China would continue its partnership with Bangladesh in various sectors, with a focus on supporting economic growth, development and investment.

According to Humayun, the ambassador conveyed that China stands ready to work with the next elected government of Bangladesh and expressed his country’s support for a democratic political framework, while stressing that leadership decisions rest solely with the people of Bangladesh.

During the meeting, ambassador Wen also conveyed condolences on behalf of the Chinese government over the recent demise of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

BNP secretary general Miza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also present at the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

A 10-story hospital will be built in Nilphamari with China's grant

A specialised hospital with a thousand beds, funded by China, will be built in the Nilphamari district of northern Bangladesh. The Ministry of Health has announced that after examining and assessing applications and locations from at least 20 districts, including Thakurgaon, Rangpur, and...

en.prothomalo.com

A 10-story hospital will be built in Nilphamari with China's grant

Arifur Rahman Dhaka
Updated: 24 Jan 2026, 21: 14

A specialised hospital with a thousand beds, funded by China, will be built in the Nilphamari district of northern Bangladesh.

The Ministry of Health has announced that after examining and assessing applications and locations from at least 20 districts, including Thakurgaon, Rangpur, and Panchagarh, this district was chosen for the hospital's construction.

The Health Secretary, Saidur Rahman, told Prothom Alo that there is no good hospital for healthcare in Nilphamari.

Therefore, this hospital, funded by China, is being built in Nilphamari. The Chinese government will provide the infrastructure, while the government will recruit personnel.

Project budget and approval

According to sources from the Ministry of Health and the Planning Commission, the total cost for the construction of this hospital is estimated to be Tk 22.92 billion. Of this, the Chinese government will give a grant of Tk 22.19 billion, with the remaining Tk 730 million provided by the government.


The project is expected to be approved at the upcoming last Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting of the interim government next week. Once approved, the Directorate General of Health Services will implement the project by 2028.

There is no good hospital for healthcare in Nilphamari. Therefore, this hospital, funded by China, is being built in Nilphamari. The Chinese government will provide the infrastructure, while the government will recruit personnel.

The Health Secretary, Saidur Rahman

Two years ago, the Chinese government expressed interest in establishing a specialised hospital in Bangladesh. At that time, the Ministry of Health received several applications from various districts for the construction of the hospital.

People from Thakurgaon, Rangpur, and Panchagarh even held rallies and human chains, requesting that the "Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital" be built in their districts.

Additionally, people from other districts also raised demands for the hospital to be established in their areas.

There were extensive discussions on where the hospital should be located. Ultimately, the Ministry of Health included Nilphamari among the proposed districts.

What the project Includes

On 18 January, a Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) meeting was held at the Planning Commission regarding the "Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital" project.

According to meeting sources, the main building of the hospital under this project will be 10 stories high. There will be a separate 10-story building for professors and senior doctors to see patients, where the doctors will also reside.

Additionally, there will be a 6-story dormitory for nurses and a 10-story building for other staff. There will be a building for waste management, a service building, a helipad, and an automated ambulance system available at the hospital.

Reviewing the project documents revealed that Tk 9.45 billion will be spent on purchasing medical equipment, Tk 8.02 billion on building construction, and Tk 2.48 billion on solar panels, CCTV, and other ancillary works.

However, officials from the Ministry of Health have stated that the hospital's operating system has not yet been finalised.

The survey indicates that if the specialised hospital is operational, it could serve 6,000 to 9,500 people daily. The number of admitted in-patients could be 800 to 1,000. Out-patient services could see 1,800 to 2,350 patients daily, requiring about 1 to 1.5 thousand doctors, nurses, and staff.

Reasons for choosing Nilphamari

To determine which district would be suitable for the hospital, the Ministry of Health conducted a survey through the National Academy for Planning and Development (NAPD), a government institution.

The reasons for choosing Nilphamari based on that survey include the presence of an international airport and railway junction in the district.

The district has a comparatively higher population living below the poverty line. The number of patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney issues, maternal and neonatal complications, dengue, and diarrhea is increasing in this district.

Being a border district, it exhibits a higher tendency for cold spells, floods, and river erosion. Economically, the district lags behind. Patients from Nilphamari and surrounding areas have to travel 50 to 70 kilometers to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, increasing time, cost, and risks for the patients.

Additionally, it was difficult to find government-owned land in other districts. More land than required is available in this district, eliminating the need for new land development. The district also has good connectivity with other regions. For these reasons, Nilphamari was chosen for the specialised hospital.

Residents of Thakurgaon held a human chain and other programmes demanding that the China-funded hospital be built in their district. Prothom Alo file photo

The site

The hospital will be constructed on 25 acres of vacant land at the site of an old textile mill in the municipal area of Nilphamari district. The Darwani Textile Mills was established on 108.52 acres of land in 1980, but its operations have gradually become limited.

Adjacent to it is a Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) camp, and nearby is the Uttara EPZ, where citizens from China, the investing country, work in multiple companies.

If the hospital is established at the proposed location, all the people in the area, including the Chinese nationals residing in the EPZ, will benefit from healthcare facilities.

According to sources from the Ministry of Health and the Planning Commission, the total cost for the construction of this hospital is estimated to be Tk 22.92 billion. Of this, the Chinese government will give a grant of Tk 22.19 billion, with the remaining Tk 730 million provided by the government.

Potential daily operations and services

The NAPD survey shows that the current population of Nilphamari district is 2,092,568. According to WHO standards, a hospital with 4,500 to 6,000 beds is necessary for this large population. Currently, the district has a 250-bed general hospital on which the people rely. The population of Nilphamari and the northern region is 17,610,956.

The survey indicates that if the specialised hospital is operational, it could serve 6,000 to 9,500 people daily. The number of admitted in-patients could be 800 to 1,000.

Out-patient services could see 1,800 to 2,350 patients daily, requiring about 1 to 1.5 thousand doctors, nurses, and staff.

The survey provided an estimate of potential patient expenses. It stated that the fee for visiting a doctor at an outpatient department would be Tk 50 to 100.

Specialist fees at outpatient departments would be Tk 100 to 300.

Emergency department fees would range from Tk 100 to 200. Preliminary blood and urine tests would cost between Tk 250 and 500.

The cost for specialised diagnostic tests could be between Tk 5,000 and 10,000.​