Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged Chinese investors to make Bangladesh their second home and a strategic production hub, paving the way for a transformative phase in Bangladesh-China relations.
"We must build a future together that can touch the sky. That is the potential we hold," he said. "I invite you to explore the extensive opportunities Bangladesh offers. Robust Chinese investment can be a game-changer for our economy. I urge you to make Bangladesh your home and your production hub. Our youth are ready to embrace that challenge."
He made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the China-Bangladesh Conference on Investment and Trade, held at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The event was attended by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao as a special guest, along with BIDA Executive Chairman and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, among others.
Professor Yunus highlighted that during an earlier meeting, he requested Chinese President Xi Jinping to encourage Chinese investors to engage with Bangladesh. "I am honoured that President Xi has followed it up," he said.
Calling China the "master of manufacturing," Yunus stressed the urgency of building a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership. He noted that while Bangladesh holds a strategic position in South Asia with a dynamic workforce, it has long struggled to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI). "Despite the development of multiple economic zones, many remain empty," he said.
He blamed decades of corruption, misgovernance, and dictatorship for repelling potential investors. However, he said, the July Uprising, led by the youth, had changed the trajectory of the nation.
"Those dark days are over. This is a turning point in our history. Be part of this transformation. Help us make history," Yunus urged the visiting Chinese delegation.
He underscored investment opportunities across sectors, including textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, fisheries, jute, and information technology. "This country is home to Jamdani and many other traditional fabrics. We have immense untapped potential," he added.
During the conference, a leading Chinese textile company announced a $100 million investment in Bangladesh's spinning sector. Yunus welcomed the move, especially the renewed interest in jute, which he described as "the world's natural fibre that we failed to respect."
He called for a joint Bangladesh-China effort to revive the lost glory of jute, integrate it into the national economic strategy, and give it its rightful place alongside modern innovations. "Together, we can make a wonderful start and reclaim the global relevance of jute," he said.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, in his speech, reaffirmed China's willingness to enhance Bangladesh's export capacity and promote integrated trade and investment development. He expressed China's commitment to working jointly to uphold the multilateral trading system and contribute to global economic stability.
Wang stressed the importance of implementing the economic and trade consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and strengthening collaboration in trade, e-commerce, industrial production, supply chains, and investment.
"Over the past 50 years of diplomatic relations, China and Bangladesh have supported each other, treated each other as equals, and pursued cooperation for mutual benefit," Wang noted.
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen echoed the sentiment, saying the visit of the largest-ever Chinese business delegation to Bangladesh signals "strong intent for openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit."
He described the conference as a platform for both countries' business communities to deepen ties and explore fresh cooperation opportunities.
Meanwhile, Chinese Minister Wang also held bilateral talks with Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening economic collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, e-commerce, and other sectors. Bashir Uddin welcomed greater Chinese investment and reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to free trade and WTO principles.
Following the meeting, the two sides signed two key agreements:
"A Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Working Group on Facilitated Trade, and
"A Memorandum of Understanding on E-Commerce Cooperation.
About 250 investors and business leaders from 100 Chinese companies participated in the Dhaka conference, jointly organized by BIDA and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).
