Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today invited Chinese companies to expand their global value chains into Bangladesh, describing the country as an ideal destination for investment and urging businesses to help shape what he called the next great Asian economic success story.
“We are inviting Chinese companies to extend their value chain into Bangladesh. We can help Chinese companies serve global markets while benefitting from growing large domestic demand,” he said while addressing the Bangladesh Investment Forum in Beijing.
The investment forum, organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) at the Diaoyutai Hotel, brought together Chinese business leaders, industrialists, institutional investors and government officials to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh is undergoing a major economic and governance transformation and is ready to welcome greater foreign investment.
“We are at a critical point of our journey, and I can clearly say that Bangladesh is open for business, ready for the future, and keen to work with China, one of our longstanding and trusted friends,” he said.
Calling on Chinese investors to play a larger role in Bangladesh’s development, Tarique Rahman said, “Bangladesh is inviting you to co-author the next great Asian economic miracle. Many Chinese investors are already operating in Bangladesh. They can speak about our people, our resilience and our potential. They can tell you that Bangladesh can deliver.”
He urged more Chinese companies to visit Bangladesh and assess investment opportunities firsthand, assuring them of the government’s full support.
“Our commitment is unwavering. Your investments will be valued, your concerns will be heard, and your growth will be supported through a more responsive investment ecosystem,” he said.
The Prime Minister invited Chinese businesses to move forward with a shared vision of long-term cooperation.
“Let us move forward from this forum with a shared determination to transform the opportunities in this region into long-term sustainable growth, economic development and mutual prosperity for both Bangladesh and China,” he said.
“Come to Bangladesh. Invest in Bangladesh. Let us prosper together in a true partnership of equals,” he added.
Bangladesh Positioned as a Complementary Investment Destination
Highlighting China’s transition toward advanced manufacturing and high-value industries, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is well positioned to become an important manufacturing and production base for Chinese companies seeking to diversify their global supply chains.
“As China moves up the global value chain, parts of its manufacturing ecosystem will look for new, competitive and trusted locations. Bangladesh can be one of those locations,” he said.
Describing the partnership as mutually beneficial, he said Bangladesh offers competitive production capabilities alongside a rapidly expanding domestic consumer market.
“This is a complementary, practical and win-win relationship,” he said.
180-Day Reform Agenda
The Prime Minister said the government has launched a comprehensive 180-day action plan aimed at improving the country’s investment climate and eliminating longstanding barriers for investors.
The reform programme focuses on reducing bureaucratic delays, ensuring policy continuity, streamlining overlapping regulatory procedures and expanding digital government services to increase transparency, predictability and efficiency.
He assured investors that Bangladesh would continue to guarantee non-discriminatory treatment, legal protection and the repatriation of capital and dividends in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
New Economic Zones and Investment Office in China
To facilitate Chinese investment, the government is developing dedicated industrial zones, including the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone at Anwara in Chattogram and another economic zone at Mongla.
“These locations provide logistics, port connectivity, utilities, skilled workers, suppliers and a long-term industrial ecosystem,” the Prime Minister said.
He also announced plans to upgrade the bilateral investment treaty between Bangladesh and China to provide stronger investor protection and a more modern investment framework.
To improve investor services, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has established a dedicated relationship management desk for Chinese investors and launched a specialized online platform providing information on investment opportunities, incentives and procedures.
In a significant announcement, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh would soon establish its first Investment Office in China.
“Our objective is simple. Chinese investors should not have to wait until they arrive in Bangladesh to receive support. We want to be closer to you, speak to you more regularly and help you move faster from interest to investment decisions,” he said.
Faster Business Approvals and New Budget Incentives
The Prime Minister said the government is preparing to introduce a new licensing and approval system that will allow new businesses to begin operations in Bangladesh in less than 15 days.
He also highlighted the recently announced national budget, which includes sector-specific incentives for priority industries such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, electronics, digital infrastructure, agro-processing and advanced textiles.
“All these initiatives have one purpose: to ensure that investors and businesses can establish operations in Bangladesh with greater ease, confidence and clarity,” he said.
Acknowledging that challenges remain, the Prime Minister added, “I will not stand here and say that everything is perfect. But I want to assure you that we know the issues, we are working on them, and we will continue to address them.”
During the forum, BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury delivered a presentation outlining Bangladesh’s investment opportunities and incentive packages.
Around 125 representatives from leading Chinese companies attended the event.
Among those present were 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, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, and Deputy Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.
