Chinese investors have expressed strong interest in making major investments in Bangladesh’s green technology, jute, textile and pharmaceutical sectors. The interest aligns with the production sector transformation plan announced by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as part of the government’s broader economic reform initiative.
The development came during a meeting on Thursday at the Jamuna State Guest House, where Yang Dongning, Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM Bank), conveyed the interest of Chinese investors in expanding beyond infrastructure into Bangladesh’s manufacturing landscape. He was accompanied by Dr. Ma Jun, President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability, a leading Chinese state entity.
Yang Dongning said that while China has long been involved in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development, Chinese investors are now focusing on production-based projects. These include rooftop solar panel installations and large-scale ventures centered on jute—the country’s “golden fiber”—to produce energy, biofertilizer and eco-friendly plastic alternatives. He added that EXIM Bank is interested in financing such direct production investments.
Dr. Ma Jun stated that Bangladesh’s traditional jute industry is particularly attractive to Chinese companies, which are keen to collaborate with local entrepreneurs. He noted that Chinese firms are prepared to use up to one million tons of jute per year for producing green energy, fertilizers and biodegradable plastic alternatives. He further emphasized that joint ventures supported by Chinese financing could unlock major opportunities in jute-based industrial development.
Welcoming China’s interest, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus said that with Chinese support, Bangladesh could be transformed into a manufacturing hub for export-oriented products, benefiting markets in developed countries as well as China. He identified pharmaceuticals and healthcare as highly promising sectors for Chinese investment.
Professor Yunus added that as the world’s largest producer of solar energy, China could play a significant role in helping Bangladesh strengthen its green energy sector, including rooftop solar expansion. He encouraged Chinese companies to relocate manufacturing industries to Bangladesh, citing the country’s vast young workforce and availability of closed state-owned jute mills as strong advantages for joint ventures.
The chief adviser stressed the importance of swift implementation, saying that the scale of Chinese interest is significant and should be translated into practical progress. Yang Dongning also revealed that China is exploring investment opportunities in artificial intelligence and e-commerce—two sectors where China already holds global leadership.
In response, the chief adviser invited Chinese manufacturers to set up factories in southeastern Bangladesh. He noted that the region’s proximity to the country’s largest seaport and its strategic access to Myanmar, Thailand and other Southeast Asian markets creates substantial strategic value. He added that achieving maritime access in this region opens wide opportunities, and relocating Chinese factories there would support exports to developed markets, including China itself.
Professor Yunus also said that if Chinese companies support establishing rail connectivity with southern China, regional integration would improve significantly, making exports from relocated factories even more competitive and efficient.
At the beginning of the meeting, the chief adviser expressed deep condolences over the recent residential building fire in Hong Kong, which claimed numerous lives.
Senior officials, including Lamia Morshed, Principal Coordinator for SDGs and Senior Secretary at the Chief Adviser’s Office, and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, were also present at the meeting.
