Bangladesh-Yunnan Trade Dialogue Calls for More Chinese Investment and Exports

Opportunities to increase Chinese investment in Bangladesh and boost exports of Bangladeshi products to the Chinese market were discussed at the Bangladesh-Yunnan Trade and Investment Dialogue. The dialogue was held on Tuesday (September 22) at the Bengal Blueberry Hotel in the capital, organised by the Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI).

A 30-member Chinese business delegation, along with Bangladeshi business representatives and relevant stakeholders, took part in the dialogue. BCCCI Executive Director Md Abu Taher moderated the session, facilitating discussions among business representatives from the two countries on investment opportunities, market access and potential areas of cooperation.

In his welcome speech, BCCCI President Mohammad Khorshed Alam highlighted the longstanding economic relations between Bangladesh and China and stressed the importance of increasing bilateral trade. Calling for greater Chinese investment in Bangladesh, he said there are significant opportunities to export Bangladeshi home textiles, readymade garments, leather, seafood and light engineering products to the Chinese market. He also said there is considerable potential for Chinese technology and investment to help meet Bangladesh’s renewable energy and overall energy needs.

At the dialogue, Liu Jie, deputy director of the Lancang-Mekong Subregional Economic Cooperation and Trade Development Centre, provided details about Yunnan’s “Three Free and Three Facilitation” policy.

Under the policy, foreign businesses are provided with free access to bonded warehouses, exhibition spaces and online marketplaces. Special facilities are also provided for logistics, customs clearance and transportation.

The dialogue covered a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, solar power, electronics and electric vehicles (EVs), readymade garments, home textiles, leather and light engineering, agriculture and food processing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, information technology (IT), semiconductors and logistics, building construction technology, elevators, aluminium and electrical equipment, banking, trade finance, LPG and energy, education and university-level cooperation, technical assistance and joint ventures.

At the concluding stage of the dialogue, the BCCCI and Chuang Qi BD Limited signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase trade and investment cooperation between Bangladesh and China, facilitate business connections and identify opportunities for joint commercial activities.