Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged Chinese businessmen to invest in Bangladesh, saying that it has the most liberal investment regime in the world. He said, “Now is the time to invest in Bangladesh and I am confident that we can achieve great things together by joining hands.” He made this call in a speech at a summit on “Trade, Business and Investment Opportunities between Bangladesh and China” in Beijing.

The Prime Minister encouraged Chinese businessmen and entrepreneurs to consider key sectors in Bangladesh. “We welcome investment in our infrastructure, energy and logistics sectors,” he said. He also called for large-scale investment in ICT, tourism, agro-processing industries and development sectors.

On the second day of the 4-day bilateral visit to China, Bangladesh Embassy, ​​BIDA, BSEC and CCPIT organized the conference at China World Summit Wing, Shangri-La Circle. In the conference, 16 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were exchanged between some institutions of Bangladesh and China. During this visit, Sheikh Hasina will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping today afternoon local time. He is returning to Dhaka at night.
He was supposed to return to Dhaka tomorrow morning as per the pre-arranged schedule. While that time has been brought forward, all other programs remain unchanged. Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei, China Communications Construction Group Company Limited Chairman Wang Tongzhu, HSBC China President and CEO Mark Wang, Huawei Senior Vice President Simon Lin, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Bangladesh Ambassador to China. Jasim Uddin and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Lokman Hossain Miah spoke on the occasion.

Chairman of Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Prof. Shibli Rubayat-ul Islam gave a welcome speech on the occasion. Hundreds of business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs from Bangladesh and China participated in the conference. At the conference, the Prime Minister said, “We believe there is significant potential for Chinese investment, especially in the energy sector, including renewable energy.” Climate-resilient smart farming opens up opportunities for cooperation in the agro-processing industry. We plan to establish three special tourism zones where China can invest in the real estate and hospitality sectors. I urge Chinese investors to explore portfolio investment in Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister said that the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission is actively working on further development of the capital market to make it more attractive to foreign investors. We have made significant progress in developing a strong bond market. We are on the verge of introducing derivative products, which will further diversify and expand our financial markets.

Noting that Bangladesh is embracing the digital age with open arms, Sheikh Hasina said the government is actively promoting the growth of the ICT sector, providing incentives for startups, investing in tech parks and building an ecosystem that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. Our young entrepreneurs are making their mark on the world stage and we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. He said, “We are calling for numerous opportunities in renewable energy, waste management and green technology.”

Explaining the rationale for investing in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said there is a direct link with an important route. We are at the intersection of the South Asian, Southeast Asian and East Asian growth circuits. Our seaports, airports and land routes are continuously improved, efficient and seamless logistics are ensured to meet international standards. Bangladesh’s huge domestic market and its adjacent markets hold endless opportunities for the entire region. Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh is providing one of the most liberal investment regimes in the world. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority provides many services to foreign investors under one roof. Bangladesh has established 100 Special Economic Zones. Each region is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

In addition, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh is establishing Special Economic Zones for five countries to build closer economic ties with key partner countries. Apart from this, the government has taken significant steps to make doing business easier. The government has initiated several reforms to create a more business-friendly environment and provide a safe and predictable environment for investors. Sheikh Hasina said the government has enacted necessary laws, simplified steps and procedures, ensured transparency and developed infrastructure to make business operations smooth and efficient. Our aim is to make Bangladesh one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

The Prime Minister said that the policy emphasized on encouraging private sector investment for infrastructure development of roads, railways and seaports through public-private partnerships. That is why mega-projects have been taken forward and completed. We also have the achievement of nationwide electricity and internet supply. Bangladesh has a large number of skilled workers at competitive wages.

Bangladesh has the second largest group of registered IT freelancers in the world. The Prime Minister said, we have made significant progress in developing our telecommunication infrastructure to reach remote areas. The government is setting up 38 hi-tech parks in phases and some

Invited foreign investment in promising sectors. Our vision is to build a ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041. He said Bangladesh’s biggest asset is its young and dynamic workforce. Our youth are getting ready to participate in the fourth industrial revolution.

Mentioning that Bangladesh is keen to export more products to China, including textiles, garments, leather, jute and agricultural products, the Prime Minister said, “We welcome Chinese investment in our export-oriented industries, which will help diversify our exports and reduce the trade deficit.”

He said Bangladesh is encouraging Chinese companies to form joint ventures with Bangladeshi companies to increase business cooperation. This cooperation will facilitate technology transfer, skill development and market access for both parties.

Sheikh Hasina said that investment in research and development is very important to increase innovation and competitiveness. We invite Chinese companies to use our skilled workforce and academic expertise to set up research and development centers in Bangladesh.

Seeks China’s cooperation in repatriation of Rohingyas: Prime Minister urged China to help repatriate Rohingyas to Myanmar. The prime minister sought the help at a Tuesday morning meeting with a high-level committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the party’s key wing, led by Chinese Communist Party Chairman Wang Huning. Later, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Hasan Mahmud gave this information in a briefing.

Hasan Mahmud said that various regional and bilateral issues of the two countries were discussed in the meeting. These include reducing the trade gap between the Rohingya, Bangladesh and China, meaningfully celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, measures to enhance bilateral relations, and increasing communication between the Bangladesh Awami League and the Chinese Communist Party. The Prime Minister said that the Rohingyas have been sheltering in Bangladesh for six and a half years and no initiative has been taken to repatriate them to Myanmar. CPPCC chairman said, we will make maximum efforts to start the repatriation of Rohingya through discussions with Myanmar.

In the briefing Finance Minister AH Mahmud Ali, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary. Naemul Islam Khan and Bangladesh News Agency Managing Director and Chief Editor Abul Kalam Azad were present.
Prime Minister pays tribute to Chinese revolutionary heroes: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday paid floral tributes at the monument of Chinese revolutionary heroes at Tien Anmen Square.

Later, the Prime Minister stood there in silence for a while paying his respects to the memory of the Chinese revolutionary heroes. Earlier, when the Prime Minister arrived here, a group of 400 Chinese armed forces saluted him.

Seeks AIIB’s help to build a developed Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for the cooperation of the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB) to transform Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous and digital country by 2041.

The Prime Minister made the call when a delegation led by AIIB President Jean Likun paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister in Beijing. Later, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Hasan Mahmud informed the news briefing.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister sought financial assistance from AIIB for infrastructural development, dredging of rivers and building climate resilience in Bangladesh to protect the country from the adverse effects of climate change. Sheikh Hasina requested AIIB to further reduce interest rates on loans for Bangladesh. In response, the AIIB president said that the bank had previously given special concessions to Bangladesh and would consider giving similar facilities again.