Over 20 Chinese RMG, Textile Firms Pledge $800 Million Investment in Bangladesh
More than 20 new Chinese companies in the ready-made garments (RMG) and textiles sectors have pledged to invest approximately $800 million in Bangladesh, according to Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. The announcement was made during bilateral trade talks with Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskin Ahmed, held at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on Monday, September 8.
Ambassador Yao highlighted the growing interest of Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh’s RMG and textile sectors, emphasizing that the pledged investments could significantly boost Bangladesh’s exports in these industries.
“Since last year, more than 20 new Chinese companies in the ready-made garments and textiles sectors have pledged to invest about $800 million in Bangladesh. If implemented, Bangladesh’s exports in the sector will increase further,” said Yao.
In addition to textiles, the ambassador noted that Chinese investors are also keen on entering Bangladesh’s electric vehicle (EV) market. However, he cited high tariffs and the lack of supportive policies as major obstacles to investment in this emerging sector. He expressed hope that the Bangladeshi government would address these challenges and urged DCCI to advocate for policy reforms.
The ambassador also underscored the importance of export diversification beyond the RMG sector, which currently accounts for 85 percent of Bangladesh’s total exports. He stressed the need for expanding capacity in other potential sectors and offered Chinese technical assistance to help increase Bangladesh’s production capabilities.
During the meeting, DCCI President Taskin Ahmed acknowledged China as Bangladesh’s largest import partner and noted the broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, energy, education, and human resource development.
Ahmed urged China to extend its support in emerging sectors such as:
- Agriculture and food processing
- Information technology
- Renewable energy
- Automobiles
- Light engineering
- Footwear
- Logistics
- Medical equipment and health care
- APIs and semiconductors
- Shipbuilding
He emphasized the importance of technical assistance and skills development to enhance the global competitiveness of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs.
“Bilateral economic partnership between the two countries will play an important role in continuing Bangladesh’s sustainable socio-economic development and utilizing the potential of LDC transition,” Ahmed stated.
According to DCCI, the total bilateral trade volume between Bangladesh and China during the 2024–25 fiscal year stood at $17.35 billion, with Bangladesh’s imports amounting to $16.64 billion and exports at $715.38 million.
