Dhaka Beijing ties at their best in history Yao Wen
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has described Dhaka-Beijing relations as being at their best in history, citing deepening political trust, expanding economic and trade cooperation, and increasingly warm people-to-people exchanges.
“Today, with deepening political mutual trust, fruitful economic and trade cooperation, and ever-warmer people-to-people exchanges, China-Bangladesh relations are at their best in history,” Yao said in a statement marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
He also reaffirmed China’s support for Bangladesh’s government, sovereignty and greater engagement in regional and international affairs.
According to the statement, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and China reached a record US$12.8 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 10.6 per cent year-on-year increase.
The two countries are also implementing a joint action plan to strengthen Bangladesh’s export capacity and improve the structure of bilateral trade, with a focus on expanding access for Bangladeshi products to the Chinese market.
Bangladeshi agricultural products, including fresh mangoes and jackfruits, have already gained access to China, while efforts are under way to secure market access for guavas and aromatic rice.
Alongside growing trade, Chinese investment in Bangladesh has continued to expand.
China’s cumulative investment in Bangladesh reached approximately US$3.6 billion as of June 2026, the embassy said. Chinese direct investment in the country increased by around 50 per cent year on year in 2025.
Since the establishment of Bangladesh’s new government, five Chinese-invested enterprises have invested more than US$100 million in the country, creating nearly 20,000 jobs, according to the statement.
The China Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram, officially launched in July 2026, has attracted intended investments totalling US$500 million.
Yao said China and Bangladesh had remained good neighbours, friends and partners for more than half a century, with bilateral relations founded on mutual respect and sincerity.
He noted that 2026 marks the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 10th anniversary of their cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The ambassador highlighted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China this year as a significant development in bilateral relations.
“This year, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid his first visit to China, during which the leaders of the two countries reached a series of important understandings and elevated bilateral relations to a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, injecting strong impetus into the long-term development of bilateral ties,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure in Bangladesh, Yao said he had personally witnessed the country’s political transformation and the choices made by its people at a critical juncture.
“I hold deep admiration for the remarkable resilience and national dignity demonstrated by the Bangladeshi people, who, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, have embarked on a new path of reform and development,” he said.
Yao acknowledged that China-Bangladesh relations had faced challenges but said the partnership had demonstrated vitality and continued to move forward.
The ambassador is due to leave Bangladesh after serving in the country for three years and nine months.
“These more than 1,300 days and nights have been the most fulfilling and unforgettable chapter of my diplomatic career,” he said, adding that he was leaving with “profound attachment and reluctance to part”.
Recalling his travels across Bangladesh, Yao said he had visited Dhaka as well as Chattogram, Sylhet, Rangpur and other parts of the country.
He said the optimism and determination of Bangladeshi young people had left a particularly strong impression on him.
“Young people are a nation’s most precious treasure and the very future of the country,” Yao said. “I am fully confident in a bright tomorrow for Bangladesh.”
He also highlighted changes he had witnessed in Bangladesh’s infrastructure and everyday life, including the construction of viaducts, improved road connectivity, changes to Dhaka’s skyline and the increasing use of mobile payments.
Yao said the warm greetings and sincere smiles he encountered during his travels reflected the friendship between the peoples of Bangladesh and China.
He said he was pleased to have witnessed bilateral relations overcome difficulties and achieve steady development, bringing benefits and greater convenience to the two peoples.
Turning to China’s development, Yao said the country had pursued a path of modernisation suited to its national conditions under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
He said China’s economy grew by 4.7 per cent in the first half of 2026 despite international energy shortages and disruptions to industrial and supply chains.
China had also made advances in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, new energy and aerospace, he said.
Yao reaffirmed China’s commitment to safeguarding the United Nations-centred international system and advancing its Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilisation Initiative and Global Governance Initiative.
He also noted that 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, attributing its continued vitality to rigorous self-governance and self-reform.
On the occasion of China’s national anniversary, Yao thanked those who had supported China’s development and China-Bangladesh friendship and extended greetings to Chinese nationals living in Bangladesh.
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to strengthen and cooperation would expand.
“Wherever I may be, my heart will remain closely tied to this land and to the cause of China-Bangladesh friendship,” Yao said.
“I firmly believe that the future of China-Bangladesh relations will be ever brighter and the road of our friendly cooperation ever wider,” the envoy said.
