‘China-Bangladesh ties at their strongest ever ’

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has described China-Bangladesh relations as being at their strongest ever, citing growing political trust, expanding economic cooperation and closer people-to-people ties.
“Today, with deepening political mutual trust, fruitful economic and trade cooperation, and ever-warmer people-to-people exchanges, China-Bangladesh relations are at their best in history,” he said in a statement on Thursday marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Speaking at an event titled “Over Half a Century Hand in Hand, Towards an Even Brighter Future,” Yao said the two countries had maintained close relations as neighbours, friends and partners for more than five decades despite various challenges.
He said China supported Bangladesh’s new government in exercising governance, safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposing external interference.
This year marks the 51st anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Yao highlighted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first visit to China this year as a milestone that had given fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation. He said leaders of the two countries had reached a series of understandings and elevated relations to a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era. Reflecting on his three years and nine months in Dhaka, Yao said he had witnessed major political changes in Bangladesh and expressed admiration for the resilience and national dignity of its people.
He also recalled travelling to Chattogram, Sylhet and Rangpur, saying the energy and aspirations of Bangladesh’s young people had left a strong impression on him. The ambassador said he had witnessed visible changes in infrastructure and daily life, including improved road connectivity, new viaducts, a changing Dhaka skyline and wider use of mobile payments. As he prepares  to leave Bangladesh, Yao said his personal bond with the country would remain strong. “Wherever I may be, my heart will remain closely tied to this land and to the cause of China-Bangladesh friendship,” he said.

China-Bangladesh trade reaches $12.8b in six months
Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and China reached a record US$12.8 billion in the first half of 2026, up 10.6% year-on-year, according to the Chinese embassy.
The embassy said China had remained Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years from 2010 to 2025.  
Bangladeshi agricultural products, including mangoes and jackfruits, have gained access to the Chinese market, while efforts are under way to secure access for guavas and aromatic rice.
China’s cumulative investment in Bangladesh stood at around $3.6 billion as of June 2026. Five Chinese-invested companies have invested more than $100 million since the formation of the new government, creating nearly 20,000 jobs, the embassy said.
The China Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram, launched in July, has attracted intended investments worth $500 million, focusing on textiles and garments, machinery, electronics and IT, biomedicine and green energy.
The embassy also highlighted Chinese involvement in major infrastructure, power, healthcare and humanitarian projects across Bangladesh.