FBCCI seeks stronger institutional ties with China to boost trade, investment
The business apex body also urged Chinese firms to invest in Bangladesh’s special economic zones and called for easier visa procedures for Bangladeshi businesspeople.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has called for stronger institutional cooperation between Bangladesh and China to expand bilateral trade and investment.
FBCCI Administrator Md Fazlul Hoque made the call during a courtesy meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen in Dhaka yesterday (26 August).
Hoque highlighted Bangladesh's investment potential and urged Chinese entrepreneurs to establish industries in the country's special economic zones, particularly in Chattogram and Khulna. He assured Chinese businesses of FBCCI's full support in conducting business in Bangladesh.
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He also stressed stronger ties and coordinated initiatives among the FBCCI, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) to deepen trade and investment relations. He called for simpler visa procedures for Bangladeshi businesspeople travelling to China to facilitate greater commercial engagement.
Yao Wen said the Chinese Embassy was ready to work towards taking bilateral trade relations to a new level. He highlighted electric vehicles, fruits and processed agricultural products, renewable energy and tourism as potential areas for increased trade and investment.
Despite significant growth in bilateral trade over the past decade, Bangladesh continues to run a large trade deficit with China. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported goods worth around $694 million to China, against imports of approximately $18.19 billion, nearly 26 times higher.
Against this backdrop, FBCCI has called for greater Chinese investment in Bangladesh as part of efforts to expand trade and narrow the bilateral trade gap.
