Bangladesh expects surge in Chinese investment following Prime Ministers Beijing visit
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Bangladesh is poised to see a substantial influx of Chinese investment following Prime Minister Tareque Rahman’s recent state visit to Beijing, according to Minister of Commerce and Industry Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir. The minister expressed optimism that this strengthened economic partnership would serve as a vital mechanism to narrow the existing trade deficit between the two nations.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday after attending a ceremony for new lawyers at the Sylhet District Bar Association, Minister Muqtadir highlighted China’s status as a global economic powerhouse. Noting that China’s annual exports exceed $3 trillion, he explained that the country’s vast industrial capacity often results in trade surpluses with most of its global partners, including Bangladesh.
বিজ্ঞাপন
To address this imbalance, the minister emphasized that attracting Chinese direct investment is the most effective strategy, particularly since Beijing already grants duty-free access for nearly all Bangladeshi products. As a testament to this collaborative push, the government has recently approved the establishment of a specialized Chinese Export Processing Zone (EPZ) spanning approximately 800 acres in Anwara, Chittagong. Minister Muqtadir stated that high-level discussions held during the Prime Minister’s visit have paved the way for increased capital flow, which is expected to stabilize trade relations in the near future.
Beyond trade, Minister Muqtadir addressed local administrative matters, defending the recent restructuring of the Hazrat Shahjalal (R) shrine’s management committee. He asserted that appointments were made strictly on the basis of professional competence and administrative responsibility rather than political affiliation. The committee, which includes top local officials and law enforcement representatives, has been tasked with proposing a framework within 30 days to ensure greater transparency in the management of shrine donations.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The minister also outlined a series of ambitious infrastructure and healthcare initiatives for the Sylhet region. Key projects include a Tk 4,000-crore undertaking to alleviate waterlogging in Sylhet city and an additional Tk 5,000-crore investment earmarked for the development of rural road networks across the division.
Further improvements to regional public services include the imminent opening of a 250-bed hospital under the management of Sylhet Medical University. Minister Muqtadir also confirmed that the expansion of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway into a six-lane thoroughfare is slated for completion within the next two to three years. As part of a broader urban revitalization effort, he announced plans to develop a large, open “green lung” for the city, intended to provide residents with a recreational space for leisure and outdoor activity.
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