Chinese Investors Eye Bangladesh’s Renewable Energy Sector

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Chinese investors have shown strong interest in expanding investment across multiple sectors in Bangladesh, with renewable energy emerging as a major focus.

The interest was highlighted during a meeting on December 11 between a delegation of Chinese investors and leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in Uttara. The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for diversified investment in the country.

Discussions focused on enhancing trade and investment ties between the two nations, particularly in strengthening Bangladesh’s backward linkage capacity in man-made fibre (MMF), high-value fabrics, chemicals, and technology-intensive industries.

BGMEA leaders emphasized ongoing efforts to modernize machinery, adopt advanced production technologies, and diversify apparel offerings to boost export competitiveness.

The meeting was led by BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, with the Chinese delegation headed by Frank Yi, chairman of BETTEX Industries Ltd, a global fashion supply-chain partner. BGMEA Vice President Md Shehab Udduza Chowdhury and several directors, including Faisal Samad, Md Hasib Uddin, Rumana Rashid, and Mohammad Sohel, were also present.

Representatives from Chinese textile and fibre industries, IT and artificial intelligence, supply-chain technology, advanced manufacturing, education, technical research, and legal consultancy attended the meeting.

Speaking at the session, Inamul Haq Khan encouraged Chinese investors to consider joint ventures in MMF-based textiles, chemicals, and renewable energy, noting that such initiatives could reduce production costs, improve competitiveness, and shorten lead times. He also highlighted the potential for collaboration in AI-powered manufacturing, integrated supply-chain solutions, 3D photo profiling, and digital product passport technologies to help Bangladesh navigate post-LDC graduation challenges.

BGMEA Director Faisal Samad underscored the importance of closer communication between the two countries’ business communities. He proposed an intensive coordination meeting in January and suggested signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business for academic and research collaboration.

He also noted that Bangladesh imports a significant volume of fabrics from China, which occasionally leads to commercial disputes, and suggested that Chinese law firms could offer efficient platforms for dispute resolution benefiting both sides.

The Chinese delegation expressed strong interest in renewable energy and other emerging sectors in Bangladesh, invited BGMEA leaders to visit key fabric manufacturing hubs in China, and agreed to a follow-up meeting in January.

Senior representatives in the delegation included Yi Shanwei and Yi Ran of Weihai Bettex, Luo Fei of Beijing Mofeng Technology, Gao Bin of Nanjing Zhiyi Network Technology, Shen Hanxin of Fast Powder, Luan Rundong of Changzhou Jinhe Investment, and Quan Shouli of Suzhou Youwo Rui New Materials Technology. Education and legal sectors were represented by Wu Jie of CKGSB and Cheng Tingting of Jiangsu Manxiu Law Firm.

The visiting members expressed optimism about expanding investments in Bangladesh’s garment, textile, IT infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, and technical education sectors.