25/06/2026
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25/06/2026
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BEIJING, Jun 25: Economic cooperation, trade and investment are expected to dominate discussions as Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman begins his first overseas visit since taking office, arriving in China for an official trip focused on strengthening bilateral ties.
Rahman arrived in Beijing on Wednesday after attending the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, where global political and business leaders gathered to discuss growth, innovation and emerging technologies.
China and Bangladesh have steadily expanded cooperation since establishing diplomatic relations in 1975, with ties upgraded to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2024.
Trade remains a key pillar of the relationship, with China serving as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years from 2010 to 2025. Bangladesh exports garments and agricultural products to China, while importing machinery, industrial materials and manufacturing equipment.
The economic partnership received a boost after China granted Bangladesh zero-tariff treatment on all tariff lines from December 2024, improving access for Bangladeshi goods in the Chinese market.
Investment is also expected to feature prominently during Rahman’s visit. China is Bangladesh’s second-largest source of foreign investment, with nearly 700 Chinese companies operating in sectors including power, energy, transport, textiles and information technology.
Chinese-backed infrastructure projects have contributed to Bangladesh’s power generation capacity, while a planned Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong is expected to attract more than $500 million in investment and create around 100,000 jobs in its initial phase.
The two countries are expected to sign several memorandums of understanding covering areas such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, port modernization and industrial development.
Bangladesh is also reportedly considering joining China’s Global Development Initiative, aimed at promoting international development cooperation and supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
China has said it is ready to work with Bangladesh’s new government to deepen strategic communication, expand Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen coordination on international issues.
