PM urges Chinese businesses to invest in Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged Chinese businesses to deepen their presence in Bangladesh, presenting the country as a competitive destination for manufacturing, industrial expansion and long-term investment as it pursues a broad programme of economic and governance reforms.

Speaking at the Bangladesh Investment Forum in Beijing, the prime minister said, “Bangladesh was prepared to play a greater role in regional and global supply chains while offering Chinese companies access to both international markets and a growing domestic consumer base.”

The event, organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) at the Diaoyutai Hotel, brought together business executives, industrial leaders and institutional investors from China. Around 125 Chinese business representatives attended the forum.

Addressing the gathering, the PM described Bangladesh as a country entering a new phase of economic transformation and said that the government was committed to creating a more attractive environment for foreign investors.

He encouraged Chinese manufacturers and technology firms to consider Bangladesh as an extension of their value chains, arguing that the country’s strategic location, expanding workforce and improving infrastructure could complement China’s move towards higher-value industries and advanced manufacturing.

“Bangladesh is open for business and ready for the future,” he told participants, adding that the government wanted to build a partnership that would deliver long-term benefits for both countries.

The Prime Minister highlighted a government-led 180-day reform programme aimed at improving the investment climate.

The initiative includes measures to reduce bureaucratic delays, simplify regulatory procedures, strengthen policy consistency and expand digital government services to improve transparency and efficiency.

He stated, "Foreign investors would continue to receive legal protections under existing regulations, including provisions allowing the repatriation of capital and dividends.”

As part of efforts to attract greater Chinese investment, Bangladesh is developing dedicated industrial facilities, including the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara and another economic zone planned in Mongla.

According to the government, these projects are intended to provide investors with improved logistics, port access, utility services and supplier networks.

Tarique Rahman also revealed plans to establish Bangladesh’s first investment office in China, aimed at providing support and guidance to potential investors before they begin operations in Bangladesh.

The government is additionally working to modernise the bilateral investment treaty between Bangladesh and China, a move officials believe will offer stronger safeguards and greater certainty for investors.

BIDA has already introduced a dedicated support desk for Chinese investors and launched an online platform designed to provide easier access to information on investment opportunities, incentives and regulatory procedures.

The Prime Minister said again, "The government was also preparing a new business licensing framework that would enable companies to complete approval processes and begin operations in less than 15 days.”

He pointed to the recently announced national budget, which includes targeted incentives for priority sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, electronics manufacturing, digital infrastructure, agro-processing and advanced textile production.

While acknowledging that challenges remain, he added, "The government is committed to addressing obstacles faced by businesses and ensuring a more predictable and investor-friendly environment.”

During the forum, BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury delivered a presentation outlining Bangladesh’s investment potential and the incentives available to foreign companies.

Several senior government officials attended the event, including Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and other senior representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The forum forms part of Bangladesh’s wider effort to attract foreign direct investment, strengthen industrial capacity and deepen economic cooperation with China at a time of shifting global supply chains and increasing demand for alternative manufacturing destinations across Asia.