Beijing to Boost Investments in Bangladesh: Envoy Yao

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, expressed China’s commitment to fostering deeper economic ties with Bangladesh, highlighting the readiness to encourage more Chinese companies to invest in key sectors such as textiles, clean energy, electric vehicles, and digital technology. Speaking at a seminar titled "National Image of China in Bangladesh" in Dhaka on Tuesday, Ambassador Yao reaffirmed China’s promise to expand its economic engagement with Bangladesh, offering zero-tariff treatment for all taxable goods until the country transitions from its least developed nation status.

To date, 14 Chinese companies have invested approximately 230 million USD in Bangladesh since the establishment of the interim government. “Let’s work together to tell the dynamic story of China-Bangladesh friendship, ensuring that the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership continues to thrive in this new era,” Ambassador Yao said in his address.

The seminar, organized by the Centre for Alternatives, featured key speakers including Executive Director Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Former Rector of the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy Mashfee Binte Shams, Dhaka University Professor Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, and independent researcher Syed Shahnawaz Mohsin. The discussions underscored the potential for enhancing bilateral trade, attracting greater Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s industrial and technological sectors, and fostering public-private partnerships to promote sustainable infrastructure development.

Ambassador Yao also touched upon China’s role in regional diplomacy, particularly concerning the Rohingya crisis, acknowledging China’s involvement while emphasizing a desire for a more proactive role. He noted that China’s relationship with Bangladesh is rooted in mutual benefits and people-to-people connections.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China. “This milestone offers a historic opportunity to build on past achievements and push forward into the future,” the Ambassador stated.

Since the start of 2025, both nations have strengthened ties through frequent exchanges. Ambassador Yao shared that on March 10, Bangladesh sent its first group of patients, doctors, and travel agencies to Kunming, China, for medical check-ups and treatments. “We plan to expand this cooperation, adding more Chinese cities and top-tier hospitals to offer Bangladeshi patients a wider range of medical services,” he revealed.

Highlighting the Centre for Alternatives’ successful survey on the national image of China in Bangladesh, Ambassador Yao celebrated the positive trends reflected in the findings. He shared that 99% of Bangladeshis support the strong relationship between the two countries, a sentiment growing stronger each day. Notably, the approval rate for China among Bangladeshis rose from 60.1% in 2022 to 66.7% in 2024, while recognition of China’s advancements in economy, science, and technology surged from 50% to 85% over the same period.

Ambassador Yao also addressed the increasing enthusiasm among the Bangladeshi public regarding Chinese investments, particularly in sectors contributing to Bangladesh's national development and poverty alleviation. Furthermore, he emphasized that people-to-people exchanges remain key to strengthening bilateral ties. According to the survey, 75% of Bangladeshis expressed interest in visiting China for higher education, a significant increase from 2022.

In terms of medical collaboration, Ambassador Yao noted that 29% of Bangladeshis are interested in seeking medical treatment in China, up 13% from the previous year, signaling growing trust in China's healthcare services.

On enhancing connectivity, the Ambassador highlighted the launch of direct flights between Dhaka and Beijing, which now operate 58 times a week, facilitating greater movement between the two countries. China has also simplified visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens to further encourage travel and exchange.

The seminar concluded with a call for greater efforts to build a stronger, more vibrant relationship between China and Bangladesh, rooted in mutual respect and collaboration for a better future.