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China has pledged to deepen its economic engagement with Bangladesh, reaffirming its commitment to boosting trade and investment regardless of political changes in Dhaka.

Speaking at a seminar titled “China–Bangladesh Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation” held in the capital on Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said Beijing would continue to support Bangladesh’s sustainable development and improved livelihoods.

“China will stand by Bangladesh, no matter who is in power,” said the envoy.

The seminar, organised by the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), also unveiled comprehensive sectoral reports covering energy, transportation, ICT, and water management—highlighting key investment priorities.

FTA and Investment Treaty Urged

Ambassador Yao called for accelerating talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and updating the Bilateral Investment Treaty, describing them as crucial steps to strengthening institutional support for investors.

“We sincerely hope our Bangladeshi friends will treat this with urgency and seriousness,” he noted.

He revealed that Chinese companies have signed investment agreements worth over $400 million since August 2024. In just the first quarter of 2025, Chinese investments in Bangladesh surged by 3.7 times, making China the largest source of foreign direct investment in the country since the interim government took office.

Bangladesh Seen as Rising Investment Destination

Ambassador Yao praised ongoing economic reforms under Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, saying they have positioned Bangladesh as a rising industrial hub in South Asia.

“At this critical juncture of industrial upgrading, Bangladesh is emerging as a new investment hotspot,” he said.

The ambassador also urged greater collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to take bilateral trade and economic cooperation “to new heights.”

Government Acknowledges Bottlenecks

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), admitted challenges in delivering on investment commitments.

“We often promise but fail to deliver. That culture is changing,” he said, announcing the launch of a dedicated BIDA office for Chinese investors and proposing a China Town in Dhaka to foster cultural and commercial exchange.

Other key speakers included Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, and ICT Secretary Sheesh Haider Chowdhury, both of whom emphasized the potential for Chinese investment in energy and high-tech sectors.

Tripartite Dialogue with China and Pakistan

Ambassador Yao also confirmed a recent tripartite meeting between Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan in Kunming, focused on cooperation in 12 sectors including education, water management, and industry. He emphasized the initiative is rooted in mutual trust and is “not aimed at any third country.”

Reaffirming China’s confidence in Bangladesh’s economic path, the ambassador concluded: “Chinese enterprises are ready to play a greater role in the country’s economic and social progress.”