Yunnan entrepreneurs urged to invest in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has invited entrepreneurs from China's Yunnan Province to invest in the country, highlighting its potential as a gateway connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Chinese market.

The invitation was made today at an 'Overseas Investment and Trade Environment Promotion Event' organised at the General Association of Yunnan Entrepreneurs in Kunming under the theme, "Connect to the South, Prosper through Open-cooperation," said a press release here.

First Secretary (Commercial) of the Bangladesh Consulate General in Kunming Ridwanur Rahman made a presentation titled "Bangladesh as an Investment Destination" outlining investment and trade opportunities in Bangladesh.

He highlighted Bangladesh's competitive workforce, availability of industrial land, energy facilities, full electricity coverage and strategic geographical location as key advantages for international investors.

Ridwanur said Bangladesh, as a bridge between South Asia, Southeast Asia and China, offers Chinese investors an effective route to regional and international markets.

He also highlighted the proposed Kunming-Chattogram corridor, saying it could emerge as a potential trade route connecting southwest China with the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs from Yunnan.

Ridwanur said foreign investors in Bangladesh can enjoy 100 percent ownership, repatriation of capital and profits, while bilateral investment treaties with 34 countries, including China, provide a stable framework for investment.

He also highlighted the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone under construction in Anwara, Chattogram, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)'s One Stop Service, export processing zones, hi-tech parks and potential Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects worth more than $4 billion.

Among the promising sectors, he mentioned readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, electronics, electric vehicles, agro-processing, renewable energy, logistics and information technology services.

He said Chinese companies have particular opportunities in solar power, energy storage technologies and green construction.

Following the event, Yunnan entrepreneurs exchanged views with the Commercial Wing of the Bangladesh Consulate General on investment and trade expansion opportunities in Bangladesh, reports BSS.

The consulate said it is working to strengthen trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and the Chinese provinces and regions of Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou and Guangxi.