[🇧🇩] 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.​

 

[Saif]

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.”​

 

[Saif]

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.​

 

[Saif]

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.​

 

[Bilal9]

A Chinese professor of Peking University is speaking in Bengali 😍

Wow! Her Bangla is classy, fluent and better than a lot of Kolkata millenials that I know. Meaning Indian Citizens.

Which is logical, as she is a professor of Bangla in Beijing University.

 

[Bilal9]

চীন সফরে ভারতীয় আধিপত্যের বিরুদ্ধে ৩ বিজয় পেল বাংলাদেশের​

This brings a question in the form of,

"Why does India play the role of hegemon? And why not a trusted, helpful and respectable friend behaving on respectful terms like China does?"

Things to ponder certainly.

 

[Bilal9]

 

[Saif]

This brings a question in the form of,

"Why does India play the role of hegemon? And why not a trusted, helpful and respectable friend behaving on respectful terms like China does?"

Things to ponder certainly.

India adopts a narrow view of suppressing its neighbors to project itself as a regional power. They take the path of confrontation not cooperation. This way India has cultivated enmities with almost all of its neighbors.

 

[Bilal9]

India adopts a narrow view of suppressing its neighbors to project itself as a regional power. They take the path of confrontation not cooperation. This way India has cultivated enmities with almost all of its neighbors.

The following sums up Bangladesh position on why the country chose China as a development partner instead of India.

 

[Saif]

The following sums up Bangladesh position on why the country chose China as a development partner instead of India.

The video is fantastic🙂 Thank you for posting it, Bilal bhai😍

 

[Saif]

Evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus during his recent state visit to China, met Chinese President Xi Jinping and both sides appear to have used this opportunity to reaffirm old diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. During the meeting, Xi Jinping recalled China-Ba

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China
Muhammad Zamir
Published :
Apr 07, 2025 00:49
Updated :
Apr 07, 2025 00:49

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus during his recent state visit to China, met Chinese President Xi Jinping and both sides appear to have used this opportunity to reaffirm old diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.

During the meeting, Xi Jinping recalled China-Bangladesh long-standing history of friendly exchanges, saying the ancient Silk Road closely linked the two countries. Terming Bangladesh a good neighbour, good friend and good partner of mutual trust, he said China maintains a high degree of stability and continuity in its good-neighbourly and friendly policy toward Bangladesh, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations.

"China is ready to work with Bangladesh to bring China-Bangladesh cooperation to new heights and deliver greater benefits to the two peoples, Xi said, stressing that China and Bangladesh should continue to deepen mutual political trust and firmly support each other on issues related to bilateral interests.

Analysts, in the context of the visit has pointed out some interesting areas of future engagements between the two countries.

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 US Dollar 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 funneled 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.

Political analysts assert that Yunus's visit to China has catapulted Bangladesh-China relations to unprecedented heights, with Bangladesh securing a commitment of USD 2.1 billion in Chinese investments, loans, and grants during his historic China tour.

Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Yao Wen said nearly 30 Chinese companies have pledged to invest $ 1 billion in Bangladesh.

China has also planned to lend some $ 400 million in the Mongla port modernisation project, $350 million in the development of the China Industrial Economic Zone and another $ 150 million as technical assistance. The rest of the amount would come as grants and other forms of lending.

On March 27, Yunus addressed the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference in Hainan, asking the Asian nations to chart a clear roadmap for a shared future and shared prosperity.

The Chief Adviser also focused on creating a sustainable financing mechanism for Asian countries. "We need reliable funds that address our challenges and meet our growing demands."

About trade cooperation, he said, Asia remains one of the least integrated regions and this weak integration stifles investment and trade. "We must work to boost trade cooperation immediately," he said.

Referring to food and agriculture cooperation, Yunus said the Asian countries should promote resource-efficient farming and domestic production must be enhanced for food security. "We need to reduce import reliance and achieve self-sufficiency. Expanding tech-based sustainable agricultural solutions and innovation in regenerative and climate-smart farming is key," he said.

It was also stressed by Bangladesh that building a strong tech ecosystem, sharing knowledge and data and investing in technology incubation and innovation in Asia.

During meetings in China Professor Yunus also focused on the long-pending Rohingya crisis, calling upon the Asian leaders to come forward towards ensuring safe and dignified repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar. It was pointed out that "Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas, who are Myanmar nationals, for over seven years. We continue to bear significant social, economic, and environmental costs," he said.

Analysts have also observed that there has been careful scrutiny pertaining to existing trade benefits offered by China to Bangladesh. It has been noted that Bangladesh has hardly been able to utilise the generous zero-duty trade benefits offered by China due to a lack of product diversity, whereas Chinese imports have steadily risen, given the country's increasing reliance on a single sourcing destination.

China has been the single largest trading partner for Bangladesh for many years, but imports from the country have far outweighed exports, with shipments from Bangladesh failing to cross even the one-billion-dollar mark. Economists have indicated that in the July-December period of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh imported goods worth $8.89 billion and exported goods worth $461.05 million, according to data from the Bangladesh Bank (BB) and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). In the previous fiscal, the total import value from China was $16.63 billion whereas exports amounted to just $715.37 million.

Such a scenario, has for some time led business leaders, economists and geo-strategic experts to suggest that Bangladesh should hold negotiations to attract more Chinese investment in Bangladesh and minimise the trade gap.

Apparently, a major factor behind the rise in imports is the fact that Bangladesh relies heavily on China for textile articles such as yarn and fabrics, especially man-made fibers and fabrics, which account for over 40 per cent of total Chinese imports by Bangladesh. Capital machinery also makes up nearly a quarter of imports, accounting for 24 per cent. Other imports include cotton, food items and other materials.

On the other hand, Bangladesh's main export items to China are garments although China itself is the largest apparel exporter in the world, boasting a global market share of over 31 per cent.

Efforts should also be made to try and allure Chinese entrepreneurs to relocate their factories to Bangladesh as there are ample opportunities for investment, not only in man-made fibers but also in sectors such as leather and leather goods, solar panels, semiconductors and microchips, Razzaque added.

Currently, Chinese investment in Bangladesh is mainly confined to infrastructure projects It has also consequently been suggested that there should be a regular joint trade and investment fair to promote business between the two countries. Such a move would also assist ongoing negotiations to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and China and reframe it as a free trade and investment agreement (FTIA).

A lot of Chinese entrepreneurs have been inquiring about investing in Bangladesh after Donald Trump came to power in the US and hiked duties on Chinese shipments to 35 per cent. Moreover, Chinese importers are apparently also showing a lot of interest in importing more jackfruits, mangoes, guavas and hilsa fish from Bangladesh, which would help diversification.

The media has reported that the Chief Adviser's visit has also led an official of the Chinese Entrepreneurs Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) to point out that this platform has more than 1,000 registered members, with most companies investing in garments and textiles enterprises in export processing zones.

In any case, we have had an important bilateral exchange of views. One can only hope that we can find the right denominators and move forward together. The socio-economic dimensions have to be carefully taken forward.

Muhammad Zamir, a former Ambassador, is an analyst specialised in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance.​