Xi reaffirms support for Bangladesh, pledges duty-free access and cooperation

During his meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Chinese President Xi Jinping assured of increased investment, relocation of manufacturing enterprises, and further cooperation on several fronts, including trade and water resource management

Staff Correspondent

Publisted at 11:08 AM, Fri Mar 28th, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping assured Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus that China would encourage investment in Bangladesh and facilitate the relocation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises to the country. 

This was stated during a bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday (28 March).

President Xi expressed China’s commitment to giving positive consideration to several key issues raised by Bangladesh, including a reduction in interest rates on Chinese loans and collaboration on water resources management.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, shared these details in a Facebook post, adding that the talks were comprehensive, constructive, and marked by warmth.

"Bangladesh’s relations with China have been strengthened through a hugely successful meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Yunus and President Xi Jinping," said Alam. "The discussions were both fruitful and full of goodwill."

President Xi also reiterated China’s ongoing support for the interim government of Bangladesh.

During the meeting, he reflected on his previous visits to Bangladesh, mentioning that as governor of Fujian province, he had studied microcredit models and enjoyed Bangladeshi mangoes and jackfruit.

"These fruits are delicious," President Xi remarked, adding that Bangladesh is expected to export these fruits to China in large quantities in the near future.

Earlier in the visit, on 26 March, Chief Adviser Yunus secured a significant commitment from China for Bangladesh to enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to the Chinese market until 2028.

Additionally, discussions were held on relocating Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, further strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

At today’s meeting, both leaders also agreed that several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) would be signed, covering areas such as human resource development, economic and technical assistance, cultural and sports cooperation, and media relations.

The visit, part of Professor Yunus’ four-day official tour to China, is expected to further deepen bilateral relations, paving the way for enhanced trade, investment, and cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

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