Chinese investors are interested in investing in Bangladesh’s green technology, jute, textiles, and pharmaceutical sectors, said Yang Dongning, Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM Bank).

On Thursday (27 November), during a meeting with the Chief Adviser at the state guesthouse Jamuna, the visiting Vice President expressed this interest. He was accompanied by Dr. Ma Jun, President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability.

On Friday (28 November), the Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, disclosed these details while briefing on the meeting.
At the meeting, Yang Dongning said that although China has long been investing in Bangladesh’s major infrastructure projects, it is now increasingly focusing on important manufacturing sectors. These include rooftop solar panels and jute-based products, particularly with major investment plans in energy, organic fertilizers, and alternatives to plastic.

He further stated that Chinese companies and EXIM Bank are also interested in direct investment in Bangladesh’s jute-based industries centered around the country’s “golden fiber” where they previously financed large infrastructure projects.

During the meeting, Dr. Ma Jun said that Bangladesh’s traditional jute industry is one of the main areas of interest for Chinese investors. They are keen to establish joint ventures with Bangladeshi partners. He added that Chinese companies are preparing to use up to one million tons of raw jute in the production of green energy, fertilizer, and plastic alternatives.

He said there are significant opportunities for joint investment in the jute sector with Chinese financing.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus welcomed China’s interest, saying that investment from the world’s second-largest economy will help transform Bangladesh into a strong manufacturing hub, capable of producing exportable goods for developed nations, including China.

Dr. Yunus said, “We can move forward at full speed in these sectors.” He also identified the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors as promising areas for Chinese investment.

He further noted that as the world’s largest producer of solar energy, China can significantly accelerate Bangladesh’s transition to green energy. In particular, investment in solar panels and rooftop solar systems could play a major role in this transformation.

The Chief Adviser urged China to relocate manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, saying that with the country’s large youth population, the closed state-owned jute mills could be reopened through joint investments.

“This is very important,” he said. “We welcome it. We want this interest to turn into real investment.”

Yang Dongning noted that Chinese companies are also exploring investment opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) and e-commerce sectors in which China is a global leader.

In response, the Chief Adviser invited Chinese companies to choose Bangladesh’s southeastern region for relocating factories. The region hosts the country’s largest seaport and is strategically important due to its proximity to markets in Myanmar, Thailand, and Southeast Asia.

He said, “This part of the country has extraordinary access to maritime routes. If Chinese factories relocate here, they will be able to export to China as well as developed countries.”

Professor Yunus proposed that Chinese infrastructure firms establish rail connectivity with southern China to further facilitate exports and strengthen regional connectivity from relocated manufacturing plants.

At the start of the meeting, the Chief Adviser expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of many people in a fire at an apartment building in Hong Kong.

The meeting was attended by SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamia Morshed, and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen.