‘Trade, investment steer Dhaka’s diplomacy’

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday said Bangladesh’s foreign policy is driven by economic priorities rather than geopolitical considerations, with trade, investment, remittances and overseas employment guiding the country’s diplomatic engagements.

He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Long Live Bangladesh-China Friendship”, organised by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association (BCFA) at a hotel in the capital.

Swapon said China has the potential to become one of Bangladesh’s most strategic and dependable partners in its economic development.

Referring to the growing bilateral partnership, he said China is Bangladesh’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), while two-way trade has reached nearly US$20 billion.

However, he noted that Bangladesh’s exports to China remain below US$1 billion, adding that the Chinese government is keen to help Bangladesh expand its export capacity.

The minister said China could emerge as Bangladesh’s most important development partner in the coming years under the vision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Highlighting the importance of regional connectivity, Swapon said sustainable economic growth depends on stronger transport links and regional integration.

He said an understanding had recently been reached between Bangladesh and China to establish road connectivity through the efforts of Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen.

According to the minister, the long-delayed process of establishing road connectivity among Bangladesh, Myanmar and China is now set to begin.

He added that other countries, including India, would be welcome to join the initiative, describing it as a significant strategic step for regional economic development.

On the Rohingya crisis, Swapon urged China to play a more active role in facilitating dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar to help achieve a lasting solution.

“The Chinese government has attached importance to the mutual interests of Bangladesh and Myanmar, and we hope China will make meaningful contributions to resolving the Rohingya issue,” he said.

Clarifying Bangladesh’s diplomatic approach, the minister said the country follows a pragmatic foreign policy centred on economic interests.

“We import from China and India, export to the United States and Europe, and receive remittances from the Middle East and Malaysia. Our foreign policy reflects these economic realities,” he said.

Swapon also praised Ambassador Yao Wen, describing him as a key figure in strengthening Bangladesh-China relations and expanding bilateral political and economic cooperation.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the seminar as chief guest, while Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen was the guest of honour.

The event, chaired by Bangladesh-China Friendship Association President and BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Advocate Nazmul Haque Nannu, was also attended by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, lawmakers Sanzida Islam Tuli and Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, among others.