‘Beijing ready to invest in Bangladesh’

City Desk:

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday said China is ready to encourage more companies to increase their investment in Bangladesh in the fields of textiles and garments, clean energy, electric vehicles and digital technology.

Addressing a seminar titled “National Image of China in Bangladesh” at a city hotel, Yao said China promised to continuously expand its opening up to Bangladesh and provide it with zero-tariff treatment for all taxable items before Bangladesh graduates from the status of least developed country, reports UNB.

So far, 14 Chinese companies have invested a total of 230 million USD in Bangladesh since the establishment of the interim government.

“Let’s work together to tell a vibrant and passionate story of China-Bangladesh friendship. Let’s make the tree of China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership continue to bear more fruitful results in the new era,” Ambassador Yao said.

The Centre for Alternatives hosted the seminar, where its Executive Director and international affairs expert Dr Imtiaz Ahmed presented a paper.

Former Rector of Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy Mashfee Binte Shams, Dhaka University Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and independent researcher and analyst Syed Shahnawaz Mohsin spoke at the seminar.

The seminar highlighted that Bangladesh and China can work together toward a more balanced trade relationship, attract greater Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s industrial and technology sectors, and foster public private partnerships for sustainable infrastructure development.

It was mentioned that China’s role in regional diplomacy, particularly concerning the Rohingya crisis, is recognised, but expectations for a more proactive stance persist.

It was also highlighted that China’s relationship with Bangladesh is focused on the benefits of people.

Ambassador Yao said they need to make unremitting efforts for a closer brotherhood between the two peoples – Bangladesh and China.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.

“Bilateral relations between two countries face a historical opportunity to build on the past and forge ahead into the future,” said the Chinese envoy.

Since the beginning of this year, Bangladesh and China have made frequent exchanges in various fields and at several levels.