China Seeks Rapid Investment Deal with Bangladesh

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Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said that regardless of who leads the government, China will continue expanding trade and investment in Bangladesh, supporting its sustainable development and improving the lives of its people.

Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka, he emphasised the importance of institutional safeguards for a sound investment environment and urged Bangladesh to move forward swiftly on upgrading the bilateral investment treaty and finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

“These steps will boost the confidence and determination of Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh,” he said, calling for timely and serious action from Bangladeshi stakeholders.

The seminar, titled China-Bangladesh Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation, was organised by the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), where a series of industry-specific reports were released. These reports cover key sectors such as power, energy, transport, ICT, garments, water, environment, and civil aviation. They aim to identify investment opportunities and challenges under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), encouraging greater collaboration between the two nations.

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, acknowledged that although promises are often made without delivery, efforts are underway within the government to change this mindset.

“Hopefully, you’ll see a significant improvement in how we operate,” he added.

Ambassador Yao highlighted that under the current transitional government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh is undergoing important economic reforms and industrial transformation. He described Bangladesh as an emerging investment hotspot in South Asia, with a business climate that is steadily improving.

He also reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with Bangladesh in following the strategic guidance set by the leaders of both countries, promoting high-quality BRI cooperation, and deepening integration across supply chains, trade, and investment.

Several major Chinese-backed projects are advancing, including the upcoming Chattogram Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone, the Agrivoltaics Economic Zone at Baherchar Island, and the Mongla Port Economic Zone.

Ambassador Yao noted that Chinese investment in Bangladesh surged by 3.7 times in the first quarter of this year. Since August, around 20 Chinese firms have signed deals with Bangladeshi partners, committing over US$400 million in new investments.

He expressed full support for both the current interim administration and Bangladesh’s future elected government, signalling Beijing’s long-term confidence in the country’s political and economic trajectory.

“Chinese companies, already the largest group of foreign investors in Bangladesh, are eager to share their experience and contribute further to the country’s economic progress,” he said.