Sk. Bashir Uddin, a commerce adviser, expressed hope today that the 2nd China-Bangladesh Exhibition will greatly increase Chinese investment in Bangladesh and further solidify bilateral cooperation.
Chinese investment in Bangladesh has increased by about 300 percent in the last year, according to Bashir, who was the keynote guest at the opening of the two-day event held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).
“We aim to accelerate this momentum. The exhibition will not only showcase innovation and partnership but also help build entrepreneurial capacity, ultimately driving further growth,” he said.
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 a wide range of sectors, including engineering, infrastructure, technology, logistics, energy, healthcare and financial services.
“This initiative is expected to deepen economic engagement between the two nations and open new avenues for collaboration,” Bashir added.
Explaining the objective of the exhibition, Bashir said that efforts are being made to showcase the joint capabilities of China and Bangladesh through the exhibition.
“It is a platform for our mutual cooperation and sharing of ideas. Through this, efforts are being made to establish links between trade and investment,” he added.
After the inaugural event, in response to a question about Bangladesh’s progress compared to China and Japan, Bashir said Bangladesh is ahead in many areas, including ready-made garments.
“Bangladesh is the world’s second largest exporter of ready-made garments, but overall we are lagging behind,” he added.
Stating that he has sought cooperation to increase road infrastructure and transport capacity, the adviser said that the number of people killed in road accidents in Bangladesh every year is horrific.
In this regard, he mentioned that road infrastructure and transport system need to be improved.
“We have sought cooperation from China, one of our development partners, in this regard,” he added.
In response to another question about reciprocal tariffs with the United States, he said, a delegation from the US government will arrive in the capital on Sunday to discuss progress on finalizing the possible trade deal with the USA alongside talking about reducing further the reciprocal 20 percent tariff currently imposed on Bangladeshi exports to the US market.
“We’re trying to get a further tariff cut on our exports to the USA. The negotiations will focus on expediting the efforts for finalizing a trade agreement alongside securing a further cut in the tariff during the delegation’s visit,” he added.
In the inaugural session, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen delivered the keynote speech.
In his remarks, Yao Wen said the year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh.
“Over the past five decades, our two countries have stood together through thick and thin and share enduring friendship. Fruitful results have been achieved in trade, infrastructure and people’s well-being. To celebrate the historical milestone, the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh has hosted the ‘Belt and Road Initiative in Bangladesh Exhibition 2025’,” he added.
He said the exhibition will showcase the achievement of Chain-Bangladesh cooperation under the Belt and Road framework and highlight both countries’ shared commitment to mutual benefit and common development.
“The event is not only a window to review our past cooperation but also a platform to explore future opportunities,” he added.
He added that China has previously helped Bangladesh with a number of major infrastructure projects, including the Karnaphuli Tunnel and the Padma Rail Link.
He noted that these projects have improved regional trade routes, promoted industrial development, and improved national connectivity.
The event is being attended by 32 Chinese enterprises and 8 Bangladeshi companies.
Businesses from a range of industries, including infrastructure, technology, telecommunications, health, agriculture, energy, transportation, and logistics, showcase their goods and services at the show.
