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

[Saif]

30 Chinese companies pledge over $1b for investment in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has secured over $1 billion in investment commitments from the Chinese government and businesses as part of a $2.1 billion package, which also includes loans and grants. A total of 30 Chinese companies have committed to investing in the country, according to the Bangladesh Investment De

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

30 Chinese companies pledge over $1b for investment in Bangladesh
bdnews24.com
Published :
Mar 30, 2025 23:30
Updated :
Mar 30, 2025 23:30

Bangladesh has secured over $1 billion in investment commitments from the Chinese government and businesses as part of a $2.1 billion package, which also includes loans and grants.

A total of 30 Chinese companies have committed to investing in the country, according to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus returned to Dhaka on Saturday after a four-day state trip to China.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon at the Foreign Service Academy about the visit, the BIDA chief said: “This total commitment of $2.1 billion is different from previous deals. Many of our past agreements were in the form of loans, which require repayment.

“While loans provide immediate funding, the challenge lies in paying them back, with interest, over time.

“On the other hand, investments stay within our economy, offering long-term benefits and job creation,” he added.

The bulk of the Chinese investment will focus on a Chinese industrial and economic zone being developed in Chattogram’s Anwara.

Work is under way to set up the zone on an 800 acre, or 323.76 hectares, plot of land.

Despite delays since 2022, Ashik highlighted that progress had “notably” sped up in the last three months.

He said, “We’ve made considerable strides and received major decisions from the government.

“Negotiations have reached a stage where investors are confident that construction work will begin sometime this year.

“Land acquisition has been completed, and the focus is now on the construction phase.”

He added that half of the $750 million loan will be directed towards developing the Chinese economic zone in Chattogram while the other half will go towards modernising the Mongla Port.

In addition, Ashik revealed an additional proposal from China to establish another Chinese economic zone in Mongla.

If accepted, this would mark the second such zone in Bangladesh.

The healthcare sector collaboration was a key focus of the interim prime minister’s China visit.

One key area of collaboration during the trip was in the healthcare sector.

The BIDA chief said: “About 12 percent of the commitment comes as grants, totalling around $250 million—$150 million for technical assistance and $100 million for hospitals.

“We are working to secure China’s support for advanced hospitals and primary healthcare, reducing reliance on India and Thailand.”

Ashik said the Chinese economic zone played a crucial role in securing these investments. “We have long discussed Chinese investment and have once again realised its significance.

“We, however, have not fully utilised this opportunity. Chinese investors have some understanding of Bangladesh, but their knowledge is still limited.

“We must engage more actively with China, as it holds the greatest investment potential for us,” he added.​

 

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Beijing 'positive' about letting Bangladeshi students visit for higher education

Khalilur Rahman, the chief advisor’s top aide, has said China has responded positively about providing higher education opportunities to Bangladeshi students. On Sunday, he spoke about many Bangladeshi students studying in China and said more will join them in future. Chief Advisor Muhammad

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Beijing 'positive' about letting Bangladeshi students visit for higher education
bdnews24.com
Published :
Mar 30, 2025 21:20
Updated :
Mar 30, 2025 21:24

Khalilur Rahman, the chief advisor’s top aide, has said China has responded positively about providing higher education opportunities to Bangladeshi students.

On Sunday, he spoke about many Bangladeshi students studying in China and said more will join them in future.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus returned to Dhaka on Saturday after a four-day state trip to China.

“We’ve spent 50 fine years of our relationship with China. The chief advisor and President Xi Jinping have established a strong foundation to strengthen our bilateral relationship over the next 50 years. One of these is water resources and another is industrialisation,” Khalilur said.

You’ve already seen Bangladeshi students at the special convocation of Peking University. A significant number of Bangladeshi students study in other provinces as well.

Khalilur brought up the imminent visit of the governor of Kunming in April, where education would be a key point of discussion.

Bangladesh and China have signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation and eight memoranda of understanding on translation and production of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange, media, sports and health sectors.

He said engagement with educational institutions was key to enhancing “people-to-people contact”.

“The chief advisor told every leader in China and at Peking University, where he was an honorary professor many years ago, that ‘We want thousands of Bangladeshi students, not just one or two, to study in China.”​

 

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China visit a 'success’ for govt: Fakhrul

China's shift from unilateral ties with a single party to engaging with all political parties is a promising development, says the BNP spokesperson

www.thedailystar.net

China visit a 'success’ for govt: Fakhrul

Photo: Quamrul Islam Rubayat/Star

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today praised the interim government's recent visit to China as a "major success", noting Beijing's commitment to increased investment in Bangladesh.

"China's shift from unilateral ties with a single party to engaging with all political parties is a promising development," he said while speaking to journalists at his residence in Thakurgaon's Kalibari.

"China is a prosperous and the second largest trading country. China has promised to continue investing in Bangladesh's business sector in the coming days. This is undoubtedly hopeful for us," he said.

Stating that reforms and elections are two distinct processes, he said, "Reforms will follow their own course, and elections will proceed accordingly."

Fakhrul highlighted the interim government's origins, noting that it came to power with the BNP's support following a mass uprising by students and the public.

He elaborated on the government's reform initiatives, including the establishment of a reform commission tasked with proposing changes to the state system.

"We have thoroughly reviewed, observed, and tested the commission's proposals. BNP has submitted its opinions, which will be discussed further with other political parties," he said.

The BNP leader revealed plans for a "Charter of Reform" to be finalised before the upcoming election, with political parties signing the document.

He explained that elected representatives would be responsible for implementing the agreed-upon reforms.

When asked about the possibility of elections this year, Fakhrul expressed optimism, citing the chief adviser's intention to hold elections by December.

Fakhrul reiterated BNP's focus on strengthening its connection with the people, highlighting the party's efforts to present its 31-point agenda nationwide.

He assured that BNP's political activities would continue post-Eid, as they had during Ramadan.​

 

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Dhaka-Beijing partnership is looking up

Bangladesh must work to ensure a higher volume of export to China.

www.thedailystar.net

Dhaka-Beijing partnership is looking up

Bangladesh must work to ensure a higher volume of export to China

VISUAL: STAR

The Bangladesh-China bilateral relationship is taking a new turn following the recent visit by our chief adviser to the world's second largest economy. The visit is being hailed as successful by experts as it opens up the potential to improve and expand trade and cultural ties between the two countries. We agree with the experts, and believe we have a great opportunity—one we must fully utilise—in order to make the Dhaka-Beijing ties more economically relevant.

During his four-day official visit from March 26 to March 29, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus had a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as meetings with the Chinese vice-president, vice-premier, water resources minister, and other dignitaries. The focus of this visit was set on fostering commitments and exploring various opportunities for trade, economic and cultural collaboration. The highlight of the visit was the Chinese government and businesses making pledge to lend, invest, and provide grants worth $2.1 billion. Around 30 Chinese companies committed to investing nearly $1 billion to establish a Chinese Industrial Economic Zone in Chattogram. Funds have been committed for the modernisation of Mongla port, too, among other things.

The Chinese government promised to urge local businesses to relocate their manufacturing plants to Bangladesh in order to diversify production destinations. Two other issues of importance to Bangladesh that were discussed were water resource management and resolution of the Rohingya crisis. On both fronts, China reassured Bangladesh of providing support. The necessity of initiating negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) and optimising the investment agreement was acknowledged by both parties with due seriousness.

These are, indeed, signs of a bilateral relationship turning a new leaf. And if Bangladesh plays its cards right, it can be immensely beneficial for the country's economic and trade interests. Bringing in Chinese investment will surely boost our economy and help create many jobs. However, there are issues that need to be sorted out on the Bangladesh side—and promptly. For one, despite the zero-duty trade benefits offered by China, Bangladesh has failed to make proper utilisation of those benefits to expand its presence in the Chinese market, with shipments from Bangladesh hardly crossing the $1-billion mark annually. Meanwhile, over the years, the volume of Chinese imports has steadily risen in Bangladesh. Bangladesh must rectify this imbalance and take full advantage of the zero-duty system to expand its product base in China.

Overall, we feel optimistic about this visit's outcomes and believe new opportunities have opened up to build and strengthen a thriving bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and China. What the Bangladesh side needs to do is be prudent, pragmatic and diligent in turning the pledges into agreements to make certain that our own interests are protected. As the chief adviser said, the Dhaka-Beijing ties are ready for the next stage; we just have to make sure that it's done on an even footing.​

 

[Saif]

Chief Advisor's visit to China

The recent visit of Chief Advisor Dr. Md Yunus to China marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh-China relations. As his first bilateral engagement since assuming office, the visit has been widely regarded as a crucial step towards strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two natio

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Chief Advisor's visit to China
Published :
Apr 03, 2025 22:59
Updated :
Apr 03, 2025 22:59

The recent visit of Chief Advisor Dr. Md Yunus to China marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh-China relations. As his first bilateral engagement since assuming office, the visit has been widely regarded as a crucial step towards strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. Anticipation surrounding the visit was high, with discussions in the media about key issues expected to be addressed, including trade agreements, business collaborations, and strategic partnerships. Although the full details are yet to emerge, press briefings have underscored several critical areas that will shape the trajectory of bilateral relations in the coming years.

Dr. Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan from March 26 to 27 at the invitation of the forum's secretary-general. Following this, he visited Beijing from March 27 to 29 at the invitation of the Chinese government. On March 28, he met President Xi Jinping, a meeting viewed by many as a potential game-changer for Bangladesh's economic prospects and its role in regional and global geopolitics. Their discussions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including investment in manufacturing and energy, business relocation, bilateral trade issues including Free Trade Agreement (FTA), healthcare cooperation, infrastructure development, loan repayment adjustments, Rohingya repatriation and the implementation of the long-standing Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).

Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the TRCMRP, underscoring the project's importance for water resource management and agricultural development. The country acknowledged China's constructive role in facilitating peace talks on Myanmar and resolving the crisis of the forcibly displaced Rohingya from Rakhine State. China, in turn, commended Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution through diplomatic consultations. Chinese officials assured continued efforts to assist in the repatriation process within their capacities. A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of an "Economic and Technical Cooperation" agreement between the two governments, along with several other documents aimed at strengthening collaboration, particularly in the healthcare sector. A high-level Bangladesh official revealed that four specialised hospitals have been established in Kunming to cater to Bangladeshis, with plans for a similar facility to be developed in Bangladesh. This move underscores both nations' commitment to deepening healthcare cooperation and improving medical access for citizens. In a joint statement, both sides reiterated their commitment to advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, enhancing industrial and supply chain collaborations, and working towards mutual modernisation goals. The statement emphasised the principles of peaceful coexistence, political trust and the strategic synergy between Bangladesh and China, aiming to propel the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership forward for the benefit of both nations.

Given the pivotal nature of this visit, expectations are high that both governments will remain actively engaged in fulfilling their commitments. This engagement not only promises to fortify bilateral relations but also contribute to broader regional and global stability. As Bangladesh and China continue to foster deeper cooperation, the visit sets the stage for a future of enhanced economic collaboration, diplomatic synergy, and strategic partnership.​