China has expressed its intention to deepen ties with Bangladesh amid evolving regional dynamics, a day ahead of the scheduled talks between Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hainan province.
The development was reported by state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency.
Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang underscored the significance of Yunus’ visit, conveying President Xi’s keen interest in fostering closer cooperation.
“President Xi Jinping attaches tremendous importance to your (Yunus’) visit,” BSS quoted Ding as saying, adding that Beijing supports Bangladesh’s prosperity under its interim administration.
Ding affirmed China’s commitment to bolstering investment, trade, and cultural exchanges with Bangladesh as both nations commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
He also reiterated Beijing’s willingness to facilitate deeper economic engagement and people-to-people ties.
Yunus arrived in China on Tuesday, coinciding with Bangladesh’s Independence Day, for a four-day visit to attend the annual conference of the China-led Boao Forum for Asia.
The forum is regarded as Beijing’s response to the Western hemisphere-led World Economic Forum.
The much-anticipated Yunus-Xi talks are set to take place on the sidelines of the summit, where key economic and strategic issues are expected to be discussed.
According to BSS, Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for the One China policy and emphasised the country’s pioneering role in South Asia in joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
“Dhaka sought Chinese support to development and livelihood projects and also called for reduction of interest rates for Chinese loans from 3 per cent to 1 or 2 per cent for Bangladesh,” BSS reported.
In addition, Dhaka has urged Beijing to waive commitment fees on Chinese-funded projects and to facilitate the relocation of Chinese manufacturing industries to Bangladesh.
Key sectors identified for investment include ready-made garments, electric vehicles, light machinery, high-tech electronics, chip manufacturing, and solar panel production.
In a significant move, Ding announced that China would extend duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi goods until 2028—two years beyond Bangladesh’s graduation from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a middle-income economy.
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“Beijing is also keen to start free trade negotiations with Dhaka,” the Chinese vice-premier noted, adding that China is prepared to finance the modernisation of Bangladesh’s southwestern Mongla Seaport and a major sewage project.
China has also recently signed a protocol to import mangoes from Bangladesh, with exports expected to commence in the coming summer. Beijing is looking to expand this trade to include jackfruit, guava, and aquatic products, aiming to address the substantial trade imbalance between the two countries.
Ding announced that China would provide additional scholarships to Bangladeshi students, with several thousand already pursuing higher education in Chinese institutions. Furthermore, Beijing has assured funding for Bangladesh’s purchase of four ocean vessels for the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation.
On geopolitical matters, Ding stated that China is prepared to facilitate dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar in an effort to resolve the Rohingya refugee crisis.
Yunus, in response, extended his gratitude to the Chinese leadership, remarking that the upcoming meeting with President Xi was poised to further solidify bilateral ties. “Let us resolve to work together to usher in a new era of friendship, cooperation, and collaboration, reinforcing the strategic ties between our two nations,” he said.
Yunus is scheduled to meet Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. His press wing has also confirmed that he will participate in an ‘Investment Dialogue’ with Chinese business leaders in Beijing on Friday to highlight Bangladesh’s business-friendly environment and attract Chinese investment.
During his visit, Yunus is expected to join three roundtable discussions focusing on sustainable infrastructure and energy investment, Bangladesh’s manufacturing and market opportunities, and social business and youth entrepreneurship.
BSS reported that these discussions will provide an opportunity for Yunus to engage with CEOs, business leaders, and senior officials from China’s corporate and social business sectors.
China remains Bangladesh’s largest trading and defence partner, and analysts suggest that Yunus’ visit could hold broader regional significance in the context of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, had earlier stated that the visit was anticipated to be “successful” and “productive,” with “some announcements” expected following the discussions.
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