Dhaka: Bangladesh-China trade relations are set to enter a new phase of expanded cooperation, diversified investments, and deeper industrial linkages over the next decade as both countries adapt to shifting global economic realities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) President Han Kun stated that the future course of bilateral economic engagement would be shaped by improved policy consistency, greater investment facilitation, and sustained efforts to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks. He described Bangladesh as an increasingly important economic partner for China, with cooperation already moving beyond conventional trade and infrastructure to broader sectors including technology, culture, and innovation.
Han noted that trade between the two nations would not only grow but become more refined and efficient. Bangladesh currently imports large volumes of machinery, raw materials, and industrial inputs from China. As Bangladesh’s manufacturing and industrial capacity strengthens, there is an expectation of more sophisticated semi-finished and finished products being exported from Bangladesh to China, reflecting the maturity of Bangladesh’s industrial base.
The CEAB President emphasized that improvement in logistical and infrastructural connectivity will support this transformation. After years of cooperation in conventional megaprojects such as bridges, highways, and power plants, the two sides are now moving into more advanced sectors including expressways, mass rapid transit, smart water management, and digital infrastructure. Co-investment in modern infrastructure is anticipated to elevate Bangladesh’s social and economic development to the next stage.
Highlighting the rising importance of cultural and creative industries, Han observed that China’s fast-growing cultural economy, which comprises movies, entertainment, and digital content, offers new avenues of cooperation. He stressed that culture is closely linked to economic activity, and enhanced cultural exchange between the peoples of the two countries will deepen mutual understanding and broaden business opportunities.
Han also urged both governments to accelerate work on a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stating that it would be a game changer for Bangladesh’s export competitiveness. While Bangladesh has already advanced economic partnership negotiations with other countries, progress with China has been relatively slow. He emphasized that Bangladesh should understand that the FTA is about positioning itself as an export hub to the global market by leveraging China’s competitiveness in technology, equipment, material, and semi-products.
The CEAB President welcomed the recent progress allowing fresh Bangladeshi mangoes to enter the Chinese market and expressed hope that jackfruit and other agro-products would soon follow. He encouraged Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to identify more export-worthy items through innovative approaches, describing them as highly energetic and full of ideas, often comparable to the most dynamic regions of China. He stressed the need for stronger infrastructural and regulatory support to translate these innovative ideas into sustainable business ventures.
Han predicted that bilateral trade and investment will expand substantially, supported by cooperation in manufacturing, high-tech sectors, digital services, and environmentally sustainable projects. He concluded that the next decade will bring an optimized, mutually beneficial partnership, with both countries gaining economically and socially.
Bangladesh’s trade imbalance with China continues to escalate, driven by persistent higher imports of essentials for its industries from the country’s top import destination. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s exports to China have remained almost stagnant in recent years despite having duty-free market access there. The central bank’s latest data from the fiscal year 2019-20 until September of the FY 2025-26 showed that Bangladesh’s imported goods from China ranged between $11 and $20 billion annually against its exports amounting to $500 to $600 million.