Dhaka: Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today 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.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bashir emphasized the exhibition’s role in accelerating this momentum, noting that it will showcase innovation and partnership while building entrepreneurial capacity to drive further growth. Jointly organized 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 multiple sectors, including engineering, infrastructure, technology, logistics, energy, healthcare, and financial services. Bashir highlighted that this initiative is expected to deepen economic engagement between China and Bangladesh and open new avenues for collaboration. He explained that efforts are being made to showcase the joint capabilities of both nations through the exhibition, establishing links between trade and investment.
Addressing a question about Bangladesh’s progress compared to China and Japan, Bashir remarked that Bangladesh is ahead in many areas, such as ready-made garments, being the world’s second-largest exporter in this sector, although overall the country still lags behind. He stressed the need for improved road infrastructure and transport systems, citing the high number of fatalities in road accidents each year in Bangladesh and seeking cooperation from China in this regard.
On the topic of reciprocal tariffs with the United States, Bashir mentioned that a US government delegation will arrive in the capital on Sunday to discuss progress on finalizing a possible trade deal and reducing the reciprocal 20 percent tariff on Bangladeshi exports to the US market. The negotiations aim to expedite the finalization of a trade agreement and secure a further tariff reduction during the delegation’s visit.
During the inaugural session, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen delivered the keynote speech, stating that the year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh. He highlighted the achievements in trade, infrastructure, and people’s well-being over the past five decades and announced the ‘Belt and Road Initiative in Bangladesh Exhibition 2025’ to celebrate this milestone.
Yao Wen noted that the exhibition will showcase the achievements of China-Bangladesh cooperation under the Belt and Road framework, highlighting shared commitments to mutual benefit and common development. He also mentioned several large-scale infrastructure projects supported by China, such as the Padma Rail Link and the Karnaphuli Tunnel, which have enhanced national connectivity and facilitated industrial development.
A total of eight Bangladeshi and 32 Chinese companies are participating in the event, featuring companies in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, telecom, health, agriculture, energy, transport, and logistics, presenting their products and services.