China-Bangladesh exhibition to boost Chinese investment: Bashir

Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin on Friday expressed optimism that the 2nd China-Bangladesh Exhibition will further strengthen bilateral collaboration and significantly boost Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the two-day event at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), Bashir said that Chinese investment in Bangladesh has surged by nearly 300 percent over the past year.

“We aim to accelerate this momentum. The exhibition will not only showcase innovation and partnership but also help build entrepreneurial capacity, ultimately driving further growth,” he said.

Jointly organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), the exhibition serves as a platform to enhance trade, investment and industrial cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The event has attracted participation from a wide range of sectors, including engineering, infrastructure, technology, logistics, energy, healthcare and financial services.

“This initiative is expected to deepen economic engagement between the two nations and open new avenues for collaboration,” Bashir added.

Explaining the objective of the exhibition, Bashir said that efforts are being made to showcase the joint capabilities of China and Bangladesh through the exhibition.

“It is a platform for our mutual cooperation and sharing of ideas. Through this, efforts are being made to establish links between trade and investment,” he added.

After the inaugural event, in response to a question about Bangladesh’s progress compared to China and Japan, Bashir said Bangladesh is ahead in many areas, including ready-made garments.

“Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest exporter of ready-made garments, but overall we are lagging behind,” he added.

Stating that he has sought cooperation to increase road infrastructure and transport capacity, the adviser said that the number of people killed in road accidents in Bangladesh every year is horrific.

In this regard, he mentioned that road infrastructure and transport systems need to be improved.

“We have sought cooperation from China, one of our development partners, in this regard,” he added.

In response to another question about reciprocal tariffs with the United States, he said a delegation from the US government will arrive in the capital on Sunday to discuss progress on finalising the possible trade deal with the USA alongside talking about further reducing the reciprocal 20 percent tariff currently imposed on Bangladeshi exports to the US market.

“We’re trying to get a further tariff cut on our exports to the USA. The negotiations will focus on expediting the efforts for finalising a trade agreement alongside securing a further cut in the tariff during the delegation’s visit,” he added.

In the inaugural session, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen delivered the keynote speech.Traditional clothing

In his remarks, Yao Wen said the year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh.

“Over the past five decades, our two countries have stood together through thick and thin and share enduring friendship. Fruitful results have been achieved in trade, infrastructure and people’s well-being. To celebrate the historical milestone, the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh has hosted the ‘Belt and Road Initiative in Bangladesh Exhibition 2025′,” he added.

He said the exhibition will showcase the achievement of China-Bangladesh cooperation under the Belt and Road framework and highlight both countries’ shared commitment to mutual benefit and common development.

“The event is not only a window to review our past cooperation but also a platform to explore future opportunities,” he added.

He also mentioned that Bangladesh has already benefited from several large-scale infrastructure projects supported by China – most notably the Padma Rail Link and the Karnaphuli Tunnel.

These projects have enhanced national connectivity, facilitated industrial development, and contributed to the expansion of regional trade routes, he added.

A total of eight Bangladeshi and 32 Chinese companies are participating at the event.

The exhibition features companies working in various sectors, including infrastructure, technology, telecom, health, agriculture, energy, transport and logistics, presenting their products and services.