DST News: Chinese investors are expressing strong interest in Bangladesh’s emerging manufacturing sectors, particularly green technology, jute-based industries, textiles and pharmaceuticals. The shift comes as China seeks to support the manufacturing transformation envisioned by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Yang Dongning, the visiting Vice President of the Export Import Bank of China, shared these views during a meeting with the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday. The information was released by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing today. She was accompanied by Dr Ma Jun, President of the state run Institute of Finance and Sustainability.
Yang noted that while China has invested heavily in large scale infrastructure projects in Bangladesh for many years, Chinese enterprises are now shifting their focus to high potential manufacturing sectors. These include rooftop solar technology and the country’s traditional “golden fibre,” jute, with particular interest in producing green energy, bio fertiliser and biodegradable alternatives to plastics.
She added that the Exim Bank of China, which has previously financed major infrastructure developments, is also prepared to fund these direct manufacturing ventures.
Dr Ma Jun emphasized that Bangladesh’s jute industry holds major potential for Chinese investors. He said Chinese companies are ready to use up to one million tonnes of jute to produce renewable energy, fertilisers and eco friendly substitutes for plastics. He also confirmed that Chinese firms are open to establishing joint ventures with Bangladeshi partners.
“There are opportunities for joint ventures in jute with Chinese financing,” Dr Ma said.
Professor Yunus welcomed China’s expanding interest in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector. He said investors from the world’s second largest economy could play a significant role in transforming Bangladesh into a competitive manufacturing hub capable of exporting to developed markets, including China itself.
“We can go full speed in these areas,” he said. He pointed out that pharmaceuticals and healthcare offer additional opportunities for Chinese investment.
He also noted that China, the world’s largest producer of solar energy, could be a key partner in Bangladesh’s transition to green energy, especially through investments in solar panels and rooftop solar systems.
The Chief Adviser encouraged China to relocate manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, highlighting the availability of a large pool of young workers. He suggested that many closed state run jute mills could be repurposed for new joint venture facilities.
“This is a very important dimension. We welcome this. We want to translate these into actions,” Professor Yunus said.
Yang Dongning added that Chinese companies are exploring investments in artificial intelligence and e commerce. She said China is ready to share its technological leadership with Bangladesh.
In response, the Chief Adviser invited Chinese firms to relocate factories to southeastern Bangladesh, which has major seaports and offers strategic proximity to Myanmar, Thailand and other Southeast Asian markets.
“This part of the country has enormous access to the sea. Chinese industries could be relocated here. They can produce goods and export them to rich nations as well as to China,” he said.
Professor Yunus also urged Chinese infrastructure companies to help build railway links connecting Bangladesh with southern China. He said such connectivity would support exports from relocated manufacturing plants and strengthen regional trade.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Chief Adviser conveyed his condolences following the tragic loss of lives in a recent apartment block fire in Hong Kong.
Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen were also present.
Source: BSS
