Describing Bangladesh as an ideal investment destination, Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has urged Chinese businessmen to bring investment to Bangladesh and develop it as a manufacturing hub.
At the inaugural ceremony of the Bangladesh-China Investment and Trade Conference in Dhaka on Sunday (June 1, 2025), the Chief Adviser told Chinese investors, “Today we are starting this journey together — I invite you to exploit the vast potential that exists in Bangladesh. From textile and garment industry to pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, jute, fisheries and information technology — there are suitable opportunities for investment and partnership in every sector. Invest here and create a manufacturing hub.”
The Bangladesh and Chinese governments have jointly organized this conference. The conference was held at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Multi-Purpose Hall in Agargaon, the capital.
Noting that Chinese investors have transformed the economies of many Southeast Asian countries, Professor Yunus said, “Your participation in the conference symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh-China relations. Chinese investors have transformed the economies of many Southeast Asian countries. We hope that this visit will usher in a similar transformation in Bangladesh as well.”
Noting that Bangladesh is on the cusp of a change, the Principal Advisor said, “Our interim government is determinedly pursuing reforms to improve the investment climate, simplify policies and ensure a conducive environment for business. These initiatives aim to attract foreign investment, accelerate economic growth and create employment opportunities for our youth.”
He said, in the 10 months of this government, we are already seeing the benefits of reforms. The Bangladesh Business Summit was successfully concluded last April. Companies from different countries of the world participated in the five-day conference. The largest delegation came from China. During the summit, a top Chinese textile company announced an investment of US$ 100 million in the spinning sector alone.
Professor Yunus said, Bangladesh has been considered a strategic location at the heart of South Asia for many years. Half of our 180 million people are under the age of 26. This working manpower is making Bangladesh an ideal investment destination. Yet, Bangladesh has failed to attract foreign investment for decades. Many economic zones were set up, but they were left empty — used for grazing cattle. Widespread corruption, governance failures and dictatorship have kept potential investors away.
He said, “The July Revolution led by millions of young people ended that dark era. The interim government that came to power after this revolution has transformed BIDA into a functioning institution. We have appointed the best talents from the private sector to manage it. We are appointing relationship managers to look after the problems of investors. We are also organizing monthly breakfast meetings with foreign investors to address their concerns, exchange experiences and expedite the decision-making process.’
Thanking the Chinese businessmen for their participation in the investment conference, the Chief Advisor said, ‘I feel deeply happy and honored to extend my warmest greetings and congratulations to all of you in Dhaka city. This is a historic moment for us. This year marks 50 years of long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and China. This conference marks an important milestone in our relations and growing economic partnership.’
He said, your presence reflects the deep relationship between our two countries and the commitment to mutual progress and prosperity.
Recalling his visit to Beijing a few months ago, Dr. Yunus said, I urge Chinese President Xi Jinping to encourage investment by Chinese companies in Bangladesh, as we want to develop our country as a manufacturing and economic hub in the region. I am honored that President Xi has kept his word. Chinese companies are at the forefront of manufacturing worldwide. Their huge investment in Bangladesh could be a game changer for our economy. As well as for our millions of youth who are waiting for good jobs.
Recalling the lost glory of jute in Bangladesh, Dr. Yunus stressed the need to revive jute and increase its use to strengthen the country’s economy.
He said, “When you talk about jute, it is an emotional issue for Bangladesh. This country is a unique country, which has been producing a huge amount of natural fibers for many years.
He said, “Jute is still considered only as a fiber for making sacks, but it is a natural fiber that we have failed to properly evaluate in protecting the environment and the earth.”
Professor Yunus began his speech by saying, “Together, we can make a great start to give jute its rightful place in economic activities.”
Referring to Bangladesh as the homeland of Jamdani and many other fabrics, he said, “Jute has many uses.”
On this occasion, he also recalled the lost glory of Dhaka Muslin, which was once world famous and valuable.
The conference was attended by about 250 investors and businessmen from 100 Chinese companies.
Among others, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen spoke at the event.
The event was moderated by BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun.
