Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday invited Chinese investors to seize a "strategic moment" to transform Bangladesh, urging them to explore vast opportunities and build a future that "touches the sky."
Speaking at the inaugural session of the China-Bangladesh Conference on Investment and Trade, he emphasised the potential for a new chapter in Bangladesh-China relations.
"We must build a future together that reaches the sky. That’s the potential we share," Yunus said, addressing Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, and other dignitaries at the event.
He expressed hope that Chinese expertise could drive a transformative economic shift in Bangladesh, similar to successes seen in Southeast Asia.
A new journey for mutual growth
Yunus described the engagement of Chinese investors as a milestone in bilateral relations, recalling his appeal to Chinese President Xi Jinping to encourage investment in Bangladesh.
"I am honoured that President Xi followed through," he said, praising China’s manufacturing prowess and advocating for partnerships that deliver mutual benefits.
Highlighting BIDA’s recent restructuring, Yunus assured investors of a streamlined process to facilitate their ventures. "The new BIDA is committed to making your investment journey smooth and successful," he said.
Positioning Bangladesh as a production hub
Yunus urged Chinese investors to make Bangladesh their production hub and home for industries such as textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, fisheries, jute, and information technology. "Our young, talented workforce is ready to embrace this challenge," he said, emphasising the energy and commitment of Bangladesh’s youth. "Join us to create history for this nation."
He noted that Chinese investments have transformed economies in Southeast Asia and expressed optimism that Bangladesh could experience a similar trajectory.
"Your presence at this strategic moment marks the start of that transformation," Yunus told the delegation, led by Minister Wang—the largest-ever Chinese business delegation to visit Bangladesh.
Reviving jute’s economic potential
Yunus placed special emphasis on jute, Bangladesh’s iconic natural fibre, calling for collaboration with China to restore its economic prominence. "Jute is an emotional issue for Bangladesh," he said, noting its historical significance and untapped potential beyond traditional uses like sacks. "Together, we can give jute its rightful place in our economic programmes."
He thanked Minister Wang for recognizing jute’s potential, adding, "Your excitement about jute means a lot to this nation." Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh’s rich textile heritage, including Jamdani and the legendary Dhakai Muslin, once the world’s most coveted fabric, as areas ripe for innovation.
Enhancing export capacity and trade
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao affirmed China’s commitment to boosting Bangladesh’s export capacity and fostering integrated trade and investment. "China is ready to work with Bangladesh to implement the economic and trade consensus reached by our leaders," he said, emphasising cooperation in trade, e-commerce, production, supply chains, and investment.
Wang, who arrived in Dhaka on Saturday, underscored the 50-year history of diplomatic ties between the two nations, built on mutual support and equality. He described the conference as a platform to deepen economic cooperation and elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to new heights.
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen called the delegation’s visit a "strong signal" of openness and mutual benefit. The event, jointly organised by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and BIDA, facilitated discussions on expanding trade and investment opportunities.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation
On Saturday, Minister Wang met with Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin to discuss deepening economic ties. Bashir welcomed Chinese companies to invest in Bangladesh, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and e-commerce, to promote balanced bilateral trade. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to free trade, WTO rules, and inclusive global development.
The two sides signed two Memoranda of Understanding: one to establish a Working Group on Facilitated Trade and another on E-Commerce Cooperation, signalling a robust framework for future collaboration.
"This is a historic moment for Bangladesh-China friendship," Yunus concluded, inviting Chinese investors to join Bangladesh’s journey toward a vibrant, innovative future.