During a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the visiting Vice-President of the Export-Import Bank of China, Yang Dongning, and the President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability, Dr. Ma Jun, expressed China's strong interest in shifting investment focus from large infrastructure projects to key manufacturing sectors in Bangladesh. This move is intended to support the Chief Adviser's vision of manufacturing transformation.
China, being the world's largest producer of solar energy, is keen on investing in rooftop solar panels and green energy transition in Bangladesh.
This is a major area of focus. Chinese investors are looking to establish joint ventures and are prepared to use up to one million tonnes of jute to produce green energy, bio-fertilizer, and viable plastic alternatives. The suggestion was made to repurpose closed state-run jute mills for these new joint ventures.
These sectors were highlighted as having strong potential for Chinese investment. Chinese companies are also exploring investments in these emerging high-tech sectors where China is a global leader.
Professor Yunus welcomed the interest, noting that investment from the world's second-largest economy could transform Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub for goods exported to developed nations, including China.
He encouraged China to relocate manufacturing plants to Bangladesh to utilize the country's large pool of young workers. He specifically invited Chinese firms to relocate factories to southeastern Bangladesh (host to major seaports), offering strategic proximity to Myanmar, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian markets.
He urged Chinese infrastructure companies to build railway links connecting Bangladesh with southern China to facilitate exports and regional connectivity.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to translating this interest into action. Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen were also present. The Chief Adviser also offered condolences for the fire incident in Hong Kong.
