China is prepared to encourage more companies to increase investment in Bangladesh, particularly in textiles, clean energy, electric vehicles, and digital technology, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said on Tuesday. Speaking at a seminar titled National Image of China in Bangladesh in Dhaka, he reiterated China’s commitment to expanding trade ties, including zero-tariff treatment for taxable items before Bangladesh exits its least-developed country status.
Since the establishment of the interim government, 14 Chinese companies have invested $230 million in Bangladesh. “Let’s work together to tell a vibrant and passionate story of China-Bangladesh friendship,” Ambassador Yao said, emphasizing the potential of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
The seminar, hosted by the Centre for Alternatives, featured insights from international affairs expert Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, former Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy Rector Mashfee Binte Shams, Dhaka University Professor Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, and independent researcher Syed Shahnawaz Mohsin. Speakers highlighted opportunities for greater Chinese investment, stronger trade relations, and public-private partnerships in infrastructure.
Discussions also touched on China’s role in regional diplomacy, particularly regarding the Rohingya crisis, and the public perception of China in Bangladesh. The event marked the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations, with Ambassador Yao stating, “Bilateral relations face a historic opportunity to build on past achievements and advance into the future.”
He also noted growing cooperation across various sectors, including healthcare. On Monday, a group of Bangladeshi patients, doctors, and travel agencies traveled to Kunming for medical treatment, signaling expanding collaboration in the healthcare sector. “In the future, we will extend this initiative to include more Chinese cities and high-level hospitals, providing Bangladeshi patients with greater access to quality medical care,” he said.
Ambassador Yao urged scholars from both nations to strengthen research on bilateral relations and foster public understanding. Congratulating the Centre for Alternatives on its survey tracking perceptions of China in Bangladesh, he noted that 99% of respondents support China-Bangladesh ties, with 66.7% viewing China favorably in 2024, up from 60.1% in 2022. Additionally, recognition of China’s economic and technological progress surged from 50% in 2022 to 85% in 2024.
Highlighting growing enthusiasm for Chinese investment, he said Bangladeshi respondents widely endorsed the Belt and Road Initiative, acknowledging its role in national development and poverty alleviation. “This confidence strengthens our commitment to deepening the Bangladesh-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership,” he said.
Public interest in China is also increasing, with 75% of Bangladeshis expressing a desire to visit or send their children for higher education—up 5 percentage points from 2022. Interest in medical treatment in China rose by 13 percentage points to 29%. However, Ambassador Yao acknowledged challenges in people-to-people exchanges, calling for improved frequency and effectiveness of interactions.
To address this, he highlighted the recent launch of direct flights between Dhaka and Beijing, increasing weekly connectivity to 58 flights, accommodating over 11,000 passengers. China has also simplified visa procedures to encourage more travel.
The seminar concluded with discussions on deepening cooperation in trade, education, and healthcare, reinforcing China and Bangladesh’s shared vision for a stronger bilateral partnership.
Source: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
