PRESS
RELEASE

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in partnership with the Embassy of Bangladesh in China and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), has organized the Invest Bangladesh Seminar in Beijing, bringing together leading Chinese investors to explore opportunities for investment in Bangladesh.

The Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, attended the event as Chief Guest as part of his landmark state visit to China. The seminar, which commenced at 9:30am local time at the Diaoyutai in Beijing, formed part of a broader programme of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening strategic investment cooperation between Bangladesh and China. The event was attended by senior members of the Bangladeshi delegation, including ministers, senior officials and business representatives.

In his remarks, Hon’ble Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to private sector-led growth and closer economic cooperation with China.

“Bangladesh is undergoing a monumental economic and governance transformation. We are at a critical point of our journey. I clearly state that Bangladesh is open for business, ready for the future and keen to work with China – one of our longstanding and trusted friends. China is moving up the global value chain and Chinese businesses are becoming leaders in advanced manufacturing, high value infrastructure and clean energy. As China moves up the ladder, parts of the manufacturing ecosystem will look for new, competitive and trusted locations. Bangladesh can be one of those locations. We are inviting Chinese companies to extend their value chain in Bangladesh.

In his remarks, the Honorable Prime Minister also announced dedicated initiatives to bring Bangladesh’s investment facilitation closer to Chinese investors including, dedicated Chinese EZs, BIDA’s first overseas investment office in China, a dedicated China Relationship Desk to provide tailored investor support, and the China Investment Gateway, BIDA’s Chinese-language digital platform.

The seminar was also addressed by Mr. Humaiun Kobir, Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister, who highlighted the government's commitment to creating a more predictable and investor-friendly business environment.

“Today Bangladesh stands at a defining crossroads in its development journey. Our government's vision is clear and ambitious: to transform Bangladesh into a higher-income, export-oriented, industrialised, and innovation-driven economy. We are not simply inviting investment into a developing country. We are inviting partners to co-build a future-ready nation.”

Mr. Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), China's leading institution for international trade and investment promotion, joined the seminar as a distinguished guest. In his remarks, he reaffirmed CCPIT's commitment to supporting greater engagement between Chinese enterprises and Bangladesh.

China has remained Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years and is now its second-largest source of investment, with nearly 700 Chinese-funded enterprises registered in Bangladesh. CCPIT will continue to serve as a bridge between the business communities of our two countries, support more high-quality Bangladeshi products entering the Chinese market, and encourage capable Chinese enterprises to invest and grow in Bangladesh.”

Delivering the keynote presentation, Mr. Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of BIDA, highlighted Bangladesh's ongoing business climate initiatives and emerging opportunities across priority sectors including textiles and apparel, agro-processing, electronics and IT, pharma and healthcare, automotives, and renewable energy. 

“In an unstable world, Bangladesh stands out for its stability, scale and forward momentum. Following the election, we have a government focused on deregulation, faster approvals and targeted policy interventions to open the economy for business. For investors looking at where growth will come from over the next decade, Bangladesh is a very strong proposition.”

A fireside discussion moderated by Mr. Nahian Rahman Rochi, Executive Member of BIDA, featured perspectives from existing Chinese investors operating in Bangladesh. The participants were Mr. Lifeng Zhuang (Leo), Managing Director of Liz Fashion Industry Ltd., one of Bangladesh's leading export-oriented garment manufacturers, and Mr. Wu Fuhong Kevin, representative of KMK Group, a global aviation amenities manufacturer currently establishing production facilities in Bangladesh. The event was attended by senior members of the Bangladeshi delegation, including ministers, senior officials and business representatives.

Key agreements and investment commitments signed 

• A Memorandum of Understanding for the China-Bangladesh Mongla Port Economic Zone was signed and exchanged with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), advancing the development of the zone adjacent to Mongla Port in Bagerhat.
• An Agreement relating to the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara, Chattogram was formally signed and exchanged with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
• A cooperation MoU between BIDA and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) was also signed and exchanged to deepen collaboration on investment promotion, business matchmaking and investor facilitation for Chinese enterprises interested in Bangladesh.
• In addition, the provisional allotment of land in Keraniganj EZ has been completed in favour of Handa Industries Ltd. The company plans to establish a factory on the allotted land with an investment of USD 220 million, which is expected to create employment opportunities for around 13,000 people. This will be the company’s second factory in Bangladesh. Last year, Handa established its first factory in Mirsharai EZ, Chattogram, with an investment of USD 100 million, generating around 12,000 jobs.

The Prime Minister also held meetings with leading Chinese companies, including representatives from KMK and Handa Industries and other major investors.