Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday (11 March) stated that China is poised to encourage more enterprises to enhance their investment in Bangladesh, particularly in the textiles and garments sector, clean energy, electric vehicles, and digital technology.
Speaking at a seminar titled National Image of China in Bangladesh, held at a city hotel, he emphasised Beijing’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation.
Yao underscored China’s pledge to further open its market to Bangladesh, providing zero-tariff treatment for all taxable items before the nation graduates from its current status as a Least Developed Country (LDC).
He highlighted that since the establishment of the interim government, 14 Chinese firms have invested a cumulative total of USD 230 million in Bangladesh.
“Let us work together to narrate a vibrant and dynamic story of China-Bangladesh friendship. Let us ensure that the tree of China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership continues to bear fruit in this new era,” he remarked.
The seminar, hosted by the Centre for Alternatives, featured a paper presentation by its Executive Director Dr Imtiaz Ahmed.
Among the distinguished speakers were 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.
Discussions at the seminar centred on enhancing trade balance, attracting greater Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s industrial and technological sectors, and fostering public-private partnerships for sustainable infrastructure development.
It was also acknowledged that China’s role in regional diplomacy, particularly regarding the Rohingya crisis, remains significant, though expectations for a more proactive stance persist.
Yao reaffirmed that China’s relationship with Bangladesh prioritises mutual benefit, stressing the need for unwavering efforts to cultivate a closer brotherhood between the two nations.
The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, presenting, according to Yao, a historic opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties.
Highlighting recent collaborative efforts, he noted that on 10 March, the first group of Bangladeshi patients, doctors, and travel agencies travelled to Kunming, Yunnan Province, for medical check-ups and treatment.
The initiative is expected to expand to include more Chinese cities and high-level hospitals, providing Bangladeshis with broader access to advanced medical care.
Yao called for enhanced academic collaboration, urging scholars from both countries to deepen research on bilateral relations, gauge public opinion, and strengthen friendly narratives to resolve misunderstandings.
On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, he commended the Centre for Alternatives for its continued efforts in conducting surveys on China’s national image in Bangladesh.
The latest survey findings revealed a growing appreciation for China among Bangladeshis.
In 2022, 60.1% of respondents viewed China positively—a figure that rose to 66.7% in 2024.
Additionally, 85% acknowledged China’s economic and technological advancements, a significant increase from 50% in 2022.
Moreover, 99% of respondents endorsed the friendly relationship between China and Bangladesh, while 75% expressed a willingness to visit or send their children to China for higher education, marking a 5% rise since 2022.
Medical tourism interest also surged, with 29% of Bangladeshis expressing a desire to seek treatment in China—an increase of 13% from 2022.
The envoy recognised the challenges in expanding people-to-people exchanges and stressed the need to strengthen their frequency and impact.
In response, direct flights between the two capitals have been launched, with a total of 58 weekly flights facilitating over 11,000 passengers.
Additionally, China has introduced streamlined visa procedures to simplify travel for Bangladeshis.
Former Professor of International Relations at Dhaka University, Dr Amena Mohsin, also addressed the seminar, underlining the significance of fostering greater collaboration between the two nations.
