Beijing: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday extended an invitation to leading Chinese companies to invest in Bangladesh, presenting the country as a prime manufacturing hub for exporting products to Western and Asian markets. Professor Yunus conducted four interactive meetings with over 100 prominent entrepreneurs and CEOs from China, highlighting Bangladesh’s openness to business.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser emphasized the strategic advantages of relocating factories to Bangladesh, noting the absence of trade restrictions and the competitive benefits available to foreign direct investors. He described Bangladesh as a pivotal location, serving as a gateway for landlocked regions such as Nepal and Bhutan, as well as the seven Northeastern states of India.
During the sessions, Professor Yunus shared his vision for a “New Bangladesh,” focusing on the future of trade and the potential of the country’s youth. Supporting his address, Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA, presented “Bangladesh 2.0: Gateway to Growth,” detailing the nation’s investment prospects, sectoral data, and production competitiveness. Chowdhury also discussed recent investment climate reforms and the progress of the Chinese Special Economic Zone initiative by BEZA.
Ms. Li Qingshuang, Vice Chairperson of CCPIT, addressed the dialogue, expressing the interest of Chinese investors in Bangladesh. She encouraged more investment promotion events in China, highlighting a lack of awareness among investors about the benefits of establishing factories in Bangladesh. Ms. Li pledged support from her organization to facilitate increased Chinese investment in the country.
The investment dialogue included roundtables with leaders from various industries, including infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, and academia. Key participants included executives from companies like Longi, Oppo, and China Railway International Group. Ashik Chowdhury noted the enthusiastic response from businesses and anticipated an increase in the Chinese delegation for the upcoming investment summit in Dhaka.
Professor Yunus also participated in a high-level roundtable on social business, advocating for a new civilization focused on zero wealth concentration, zero carbon emissions, zero poverty, and zero unemployment. Esteemed academics from top Chinese universities, including Tsinghua University, praised his leadership and expressed optimism for Bangladesh’s growth under his guidance.
The Chief Adviser is scheduled to visit Peking University on Saturday to receive an Honorary Doctorate and address the audience, further cementing ties between Bangladesh and China.