Bangladesh Targets Major Chinese Investment and Over $9 Billion in Financing Ahead of Prime Minister’s Beijing Visit

Bangladesh is stepping up efforts to strengthen economic ties with China as preparations gather pace for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s expected visit to Beijing later this month. The government is seeking to attract new Chinese investment, unlock billions of dollars in project financing and expand cooperation across trade, infrastructure and financial sectors.

The prime minister is expected to visit China between June 23 and June 26. A major highlight of the visit will be an investment conference in Beijing on June 24, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). The event is expected to bring together government officials, business leaders and investors from both countries to explore new investment opportunities.

Officials involved in the preparations said Bangladesh is finalizing several agreements and memorandums of understanding that could pave the way for increased Chinese participation in the country’s economic development. Among the proposed deals are a land allocation agreement for Chinese manufacturer Handa Group at the Keraniganj Economic Zone and a developer agreement for the planned Chinese Economic Zone in Chattogram.

Securing financing for major infrastructure projects remains one of Dhaka’s primary objectives. Authorities are seeking support for a number of strategic initiatives, including the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project and the expansion and modernization of Mongla Port. Discussions are also expected to cover plans for establishing another economic zone near Mongla, a project that has attracted interest from Chinese investors.

Government officials said Bangladesh currently has financing proposals worth more than $9 billion awaiting consideration from the Chinese government, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB). The Economic Relations Division has also requested ministries and agencies to identify additional priority projects that could be presented for future Chinese funding.
 

Beyond investment and infrastructure, the two countries are expected to discuss broader economic cooperation. China has proposed initiating negotiations on a Bangladesh-China Free Trade Agreement and upgrading the existing bilateral investment framework. Officials are also exploring possibilities for deeper financial collaboration, including a currency swap arrangement, banking cooperation agreements and greater access for financial institutions in both markets.
 

Cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative is expected to feature prominently in discussions, covering sectors such as trade, green development, digital transformation, agriculture, scientific innovation and sustainable finance.
 

Ahead of the prime minister’s visit, Commerce and Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir is scheduled to attend the China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, accompanied by representatives from export and business organizations. Expanding Bangladeshi exports and attracting Chinese investment are expected to be among the key goals of the mission.

Business leaders believe joint ventures between Chinese investors and existing Bangladeshi factories could provide an effective solution to current industrial challenges. With many factories already equipped with gas and electricity connections, such partnerships could help boost production capacity while reducing the need for large-scale new infrastructure.

Chinese company Handa Group is also expected to play a significant role in upcoming discussions. The firm has previously expressed interest in investing up to $250 million in Bangladesh and has already made commitments within the country’s economic zones. New agreements linked to its expansion plans may be signed during the Beijing investment conference.
 

Officials said the visit represents a significant opportunity to deepen Bangladesh-China economic relations at a time when Bangladesh is seeking greater foreign investment, enhanced infrastructure development and stronger international partnerships. If successful, the trip could result in substantial financing commitments and new investment agreements that support the country’s long-term growth ambitions.