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

[Bilal9]

China takes Bangladesh seriously as it can be seen from the Chinese lady speaking Bengali fluently.

They are a wise, mature 5000 year old culture. Whatever decision they take, it is with much quiet deliberation and thought. It is our fortunate position that we have China as a friend of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh (East Bengal) being a large Buddhist enclave, has been a welcoming friend of China since the times of Chinese travellers,

1. FaXian in the 3rd century CE (aka Fa Hien) (Faxian - Wikipedia), (Fa-hien - Banglapedia) and,

2. Xuanzang in the 6th century CE (Xuanzang - Wikipedia), (Hiuen-Tsang - Banglapedia)

 

[Saif]

China keen to set up SEZ in Mongla

China has expressed interest in establishing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mongla to expand trade relations and increase investment flows, according to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).

www.thedailystar.net

China keen to set up SEZ in Mongla
Bida chief says

China has expressed interest in establishing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mongla to expand trade relations and increase investment flows, according to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).

Additionally, $1 billion in development funding from the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS states, is under discussion for 2025.

Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bida, unveiled the plans while speaking during a press briefing on the second day of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 at the Intercontinental Dhaka yesterday.

Chowdhury pointed to Mongla's location near the seaport, referring to it as a gateway for maritime and export-linked industries.

In one of the sessions, a Chinese construction firm with operations in Bangladesh indicated its intent to expand. Company representatives discussed their experience in Bangladesh over the last 45 years and highlighted the availability of labour.

Chowdhury said the company had received support from different levels of government. At the same time, he acknowledged challenges.

He cited the example of a businessman who has been waiting for more than three years for a licence to begin a project that intends to employ 10,000 people.

"He has funding and preparation, but progress remains halted due to administrative processes," Chowdhury said.

He added that similar cases have been seen over the years. "Many investors have been unable to proceed. These delays have affected the investment process. Administrative reforms are required."

The summit included sessions on planning, foreign participation, and sector-specific issues, and also saw Bangladesh sign agreements with 53 countries.

Additionally, Bida has opened a digital platform to collect feedback from private businesses.

Chowdhury also commented on public reaction to misinformation, saying, "One tweet resulted in a 20-point drop in the index. Bangladesh Bank has since issued a clarification."

He added that coordination among ministries is being reviewed to ensure work is completed within assigned timelines.

Regarding regional development, Chowdhury said the focus is not limited to Chattogram, where China has plans to build a special economic zone in Anwara. "China has projects there, but other locations such as Saidpur are also under consideration. SEZ locations are being selected based on defined criteria."

On the matter of international credit ratings, Chowdhury said that Bangladesh is often grouped with other South Asian countries, which may not reflect its current financial arrangements. "A number of Bangladesh's loans are concessional. We are working based on structural planning."

He also raised concerns about the land-use policy and delays in enforcement. "Legal frameworks such as the Jail Establishment Act remain unimplemented. Repeated discussions without action slow down progress."

In response to energy concerns, Chowdhury called for the government to publicly release plans. "Gas shortages may occur in three to five years. A clear strategy should be made available."​

 

[Saif]

$150m investment agreement inked with Chinese co: BIDA Executive Chairman

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun today said that a $150 million investment agreement has already been signed with Chinese company. "An agreement has been signed with a Chinese textile company to invest $150 million in Bangladesh

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

$150m investment agreement inked with Chinese co: BIDA Executive Chairman
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Apr 09, 2025 23:25
Updated :
Apr 09, 2025 23:25

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun today said that a $150 million investment agreement has already been signed with Chinese company.

"An agreement has been signed with a Chinese textile company to invest $150 million in Bangladesh. This will create jobs for about 15,000 people. The Chinese investors expressed their keen interest to invest in Bangladesh. Therefore, 200 investors will soon come to Bangladesh to encourage investment here," he said, BSS reports.

The BIDA Executive Chairman said these while replying to query of journalists at a press conference on overall activities at the end of the third day of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 at a city hotel.

A connection has been made between foreign investors and politicians at this investment summit, he said.

Ashik said that most of the investors at the summit expressed their keen interest in investing in the textile, garment, renewable energy and light engineering sectors.

Highlighting some significant activities of the summit, he said some investors met the Chief Adviser at the latter's office.

Meetings were held with Zara, Lafarge Cement and German representatives, he said, adding that a meeting was also held with the CEO of DP World.

The CEO of DP World has proposed to set up a free trade zone in Bangladesh to expand trade and commerce, he said.

"We need to gain experience before setting up a free trade zone. For this, a delegation will be sent to Bangladesh soon,' Ashik added.

Besides, BIDA signed an agreement with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on Wednesday to improve the living standards of workers to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).​

 

[Saif]

How our youth can leverage Bangladesh-China ties

For people-to-people friendship and mutual prosperity, communication barriers must be overcome.

www.thedailystar.net

How our youth can leverage Bangladesh-China ties

Recent bilateral dialogues between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping offer practical and significant economic benefits for Bangladesh’s youths. PHOTO: CA PRESS WING

The relationship between Bangladesh and China is neither recent nor purely political. It has been deeply rooted in history, friendship, and cultural exchange for over a thousand years. The historical connection dates back to the second century BCE, when Chinese envoy Zhang Qian of the Han dynasty emperor documented vibrant civilisations in Magadha, now a part of Bangladesh. Over subsequent centuries, Chinese Buddhist monks such as Xuanzang and Fa Xian travelled to this region seeking knowledge. Conversely, Bengali scholar Monk Atish Dipankar journeyed across the Himalayas to spread Bengal's spiritual and cultural heritage to China. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Bengal's sultans used to send regular diplomatic missions to China's Ming Dynasty, reciprocated by the Admiral of the Ming Navy Zheng He's historic voyages to Bengal. The Chinese referred to Bengal as "Pang-ge-la"—a name that evolved into today's "Meng-jia-la," the contemporary Chinese pronunciation for Bangladesh.

As Bangladesh and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, this enduring relationship stands on the firm foundation of centuries-old people-to-people bonds. During Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus's official visit to China, a joint press statement was released on March 28, 2025, to commemorate this significant milestone by declaring 2025 the "China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges." This initiative aims to deepen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including culture, tourism, media, education, healthcare, youth exchanges, local government collaboration, and think tank partnerships. At this historic juncture, Bangladesh now has a strategic opportunity to leverage these strengthened cultural and interpersonal ties to unlock sustainable economic and social benefits—particularly addressing critical issues such as employment opportunities for youths through modern skill development.

Recently, research findings shared at a seminar titled "National Image of China in Bangladesh" showed overwhelmingly positive sentiment among Bangladeshis towards China in nurturing friendly relationships, sharing technological development, opportunities for higher education, medical tourism, and creating a strong trading partnership with China.

China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner, facilitating $16.63 billion in imports and just $715.37 million in exports to and from Bangladesh, respectively, in 2024. On the other hand, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China to Bangladesh was $2.67 billion as of September 2024. Nearly 1,000 Chinese enterprises and multinational corporations operate in Bangladesh, creating tremendous employment opportunities.

In this context, youths in Bangladesh could further enhance their employment opportunities in Chinese enterprises and multinational corporations by acquiring practical knowledge of the Chinese language and culture, China-related studies, and technical education in various areas. The existing cooperation with China also opens up entrepreneurship opportunities for many youths—a path actively encouraged by Professor Muhammad Yunus, who consistently urges the youths to become job creators rather than job seekers. Such entrepreneurial efforts, enabled by fluency in Chinese and a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, could open new avenues of hope, economic empowerment, sustained career growth, and global opportunities for Bangladeshi youths.

Fluency in Chinese is more vital than ever. For people-to-people friendship and mutual prosperity, communication barriers must be overcome. Systematic Chinese language education, available through universities, Confucius Institutes, and specialised China Studies programmes, is a transformative tool. Nearly 20,000 Bangladeshi students are studying in China, and around 3,000 students are trained annually through two Confucius Institutes at North-South and Dhaka University, as well as one Confucius Classroom in Bangladesh. These can open significant career paths for youth, including employment opportunities in Chinese companies in Bangladesh, entrepreneurship linked to China's global market and Belt and Road Initiative, higher education and research opportunities in China, and participation in governmental and development projects under the Global Development Initiative framework.

Medical tourism is another significant emerging sector, notably strengthened by China's recent decision to designate hospitals in Kunming specifically for Bangladeshi medical tourists. Youths fluent in Chinese can capitalise on opportunities as medical interpreters, healthcare logistics coordinators, and medical tourism entrepreneurs.

Given this scenario, Bangladesh could benefit substantially from Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of "mass entrepreneurship and innovation," emphasising the empowerment of ordinary citizens, particularly youth, to innovate, start businesses, and drive economic growth. The broader vision outlined through President Xi's Global Development Initiative highlights inclusive growth, poverty alleviation, and innovation. It perfectly aligns with Bangladesh's immediate needs. China's model of "Common Prosperity" and sustainable development, known as "Ecological Civilisation," echoes the vision of Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus's concept of a "World of Three Zeros"—Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions. Leveraging ideas from both President Xi and Professor Yunus could become instrumental in addressing Bangladesh's youth unemployment crisis through innovation, entrepreneurship, and green jobs, ensuring "high-quality development."

Recent comments from Chen Huaiyu, chairman of the China Export-Import Bank (China Exim Bank), during the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, suggest even brighter prospects. Chen said that China Exim Bank is eager to support relocating Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, positioning Bangladesh as an export platform serving Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Emulating the transformative experience of Vietnam, Bangladesh could substantially boost employment by attracting Chinese and other international manufacturers. This would necessitate improvements in Bangladesh's business environment—a goal already endorsed by Professor Yunus.

The commitments made by China during the recent bilateral dialogues—including plans for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, modernisation of Mongla Port, joint development of the China Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram, and expedited negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement—offer practical and significant economic benefits for Bangladesh's youths. Furthermore, Bangladesh's active participation in global expos, such as the China International Import Expo and China-South Asia Expo, provides young entrepreneurs direct access to international markets. The joint press release also shows that China will import more goods than ever from Bangladesh. Partnership with China's steady and pragmatic development approach—built on non-interference, mutual respect, and a "win-win" cooperative approach—represents stability, growth, and hope. Embracing President Xi Jinping's vision of building a "Community of Shared Future for Mankind" gives Bangladeshi youths a unique opportunity to participate actively in global development and diplomatic efforts.

Just as historical figures like Zhang Qian, Fa Xian, Atish Dipankar, and Admiral Zheng He once illuminated paths between two great civilisations, today's youth stand at the threshold of a similarly profound opportunity—to become modern-day torchbearers of this timeless friendship. As 2025 marks the golden jubilee of diplomatic ties and celebrates the "Year of People-to-People Exchanges," it is not just a ceremonial milestone. It shows a beacon of immense promise. To truly grasp the rich possibilities, our youth and educational institutes must recognise that language and culture are not just fields of study. They are bridges of empowerment, keys to global understanding, and doors to lifelong prosperity. Thus, investing strategically in Chinese language and cultural education may become Bangladesh's most powerful tool, enabling its youth to craft a shared future of lasting harmony, boundless opportunity, and mutual development with China.

Dr Mostak Ahamed Galib is associate professor and director of cross-cultural communication & BRI research centre at the School of Marxism at Wuhan University of Technology in China.

Dr Bulbul Siddiqi is associate professor of anthropology and director of Confucius Institute at North South University.​