Bangladesh News Bangladesh - China Relation

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China's Xinyi Glass Holdings Limited has recently proposed investing $200 million to set up a glass factory, for which the company has reached out to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), seeking land for establishing the factory through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Two other Chinese companies – Kaixi Lingerie Bangladesh Corporation and SSH (BD) Sustainable Fashion Ltd – have proposed investments of $61 million and $24 million, respectively, to establish a high-end garments industry.

Among other recent Chinese investment interests, Sinovac Biotech has moved to establish a Plasma Centre in Bangladesh with an investment of $500 million. The company has already started the construction of its infrastructure.

According to Bida, at least 15 Chinese companies have brought direct investment in Bangladesh in the last year alone. Besides, another $1.5 billion worth FDI proposals came last year.

Bangladesh Bank data says the country's yearly growth of FDI from China stood at 13.5%. In 2015, FDI from China was only $56 million, which in seven years has increased 11.5 times.

"We are tirelessly working to bring in big investments from China and we are getting good responses," said Lokman Hossain Miah, executive chairman of Bida.

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Bangladesh will see an increased investment in the textile and clothing sectors in the coming days as the business environment has marked tremendous improvement in recent years, said Calvin Ngan, president of the Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh (Ocab).

"In 2023, we see our motherland opening up the border and there will be no more quarantine. Flights between Bangladesh and China are increasing. Economic and cultural activities are beginning to pick up. We are seeing more Chinese coming to Bangladesh and more Bangladeshis going to China," he added.

Economists said the US-China trade conflicts are forcing Chinese manufacturers to relocate their production facilities to alternative locations and Bangladeshi zones will be able to attract those investors.

Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, research director of the Policy Research Institute (PRI), said due to the elimination of our huge trade deficit with China and geopolitics, Bangladesh has got the attention of China's entrepreneurs. Moreover, during the latest visit of the Chinese president, they pledged to invest $27 billion in Bangladesh.

"It is possible to bring in more Chinese investment by presenting Bangladesh's potential," he added.

Govt making special economic zone for China

To give special benefits to Chinese investors, the government is making a special economic zone on about 783 acres of land in Anwara upazila of Chattogram.

When the project is completed, it is expected that employment opportunities will be created for approximately 2 lakh people.

Shaikh Yusuf Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), said many Chinese companies have already shown interest in investing here.

Al Mamun Mridha, acting secretary-general of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI), also said they are trying to bring large investments to the Chinese Economic Zone.

Jinyuan chemical, Yabang Group, Techno and Miago are among the Chinese companies investing in the economic zones. In the Bay Economic Zone, MEIGO Bangladesh Ltd proposed a $50 million investment.

20-member Chinese delegation at Bangladesh Investment Summit

A delegation of 20 members including some members of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and various other business organisations are participating in the Bangladesh Business Summit to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

The BCCCI said the delegation will meet with various authorities and business organisations including Bida, Beza as well as the commerce minister of Bangladesh,

Al Mamun Mridha, acting secretary-general of BCCCI, said they have a meeting with the visiting delegation on Sunday afternoon.

The delegation will discuss investments in high-tech industries, semiconductors, automobiles, agri machinery, cold storage chain, poultry and cow feed and technology transfer in Bangladesh.

"We will propose to them to import more sea fish, fruits, vegetables, jute and jute products from Bangladesh to the Chinese market," he said.

"We will also propose to set up a joint think tank with the participation of policy-makers as well as businessmen from both countries," added Mridha.

China a major partner in infrastructure and trade

China has huge investments in the infrastructure sector of the country. According to China Daily, China is implementing a $10 billion infrastructure project in Bangladesh.

The same trend is noticeable in trade. China is now Bangladesh's largest trading partner. The trade volume between the two countries is about $25 billion. Bangladesh mainly brings capital machinery, raw materials from China.

On the other hand, Bangladesh exports vegetables, frozen and live fish, leather and leather products, textile fibres, paper yarn and woven fabrics, garments and apparel items to the country.

China implemented duty-free facilities on 97% of Bangladeshi products from 1 July 2020. Later, it was increased to 98%. The export of crabs and eels to China resumed from last July. By exporting these two items, Bangladesh earns about $50 million a year from China.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said, "China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner. Leather, ICT, and light engineering sectors can be potential investment sectors for the Chinese investors."

 

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Bangladesh is set to take Chinese loan of over 500 million US dollars on hard conditions to implement two projects.

Money would be spent for establishing a water treatment plant under Rajshahi WASA and purchasing ships for the shipping ministry.

The loan negotiation for the water treatment plant for Rajshahi WASA has been finalised. Loan agreement will be signed next month.

A total of Tk 50 billion is being taken for the implementation of these two projects.
As per the conditions of loan, Exim Bank of China will arrange the contractor. Although the interest rate is 2.15 per cent, the duration of loan payment is only 15 years. Grace period is only five years. If the loan agreement is signed in 2023, the loan payment will begin in 2027. As the period of loan payment is short, the amount of installment will be bigger comparatively. If loan is taken from World Bank and ADB, it is paid in 30-35 years.

Sources at the Economic Relations Division said a loan of 270 million US dollars is being taken from Chinese Exim Bank for establishing surface water treatment plant for Rajshahi WASA. Exim Bank and ERD officials have completed negotiations over the loan. The loan agreement will be signed in April.

Besides, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation is in a negotiation to purchase six vessels. Under this project, a loan of 250 million US dollars may be signed. If the loan agreement is signed, China will provide these vessels in four years. This is a supply loan. China will provide loan as well as vessels.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, infrastructure expert and former secretary Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said, "The purpose of Chinese loan is not to provide us assistance rather than expansion of their business. For example, the Chinese contractor will work for the project of Rajshahi WASA and Chinese equipment will be used. China will provide engineers and consultants. Lion share of the project money will go back to China. As the contractor is not selected through a competition, so the cost will be higher than the actual cost. Questions may be raised over the quality of work."

He said it has been found in a study that 15-25 per cent additional cost is required in such loans with hard conditions.

In July 2018, a project of Tk 40.62 billion was undertaken for establishing a surface water treatment plant for Rajshahi WASA. This treatment plant was supposed to be set up at Godagari. During the passage of the project, it was said the project would be implemented subject to receiving Chinese loan. The duration of the project was fixed till June 2022. The implementation of the project couldn't be started as the Chinese loan is yet to be received. The tenure of the project has been extended till June 2024.

Although the agreement was not finalised, Chinese contractor Hunan Construction Engineering Group Corporation engaged with the project four years ago. Chinese Exim Bank fixed the contractor. The contractor firm gave suggestions for everything including feasibility study, project plan and expenditure. Later in March 2021, an informal agreement was signed between Rajshahi WASA and Chinese contractor Hunan Construction Engineering Group Corporation. But at the time, the loan negotiation with Chinese Exim Bank was not completed.

About the matter project director and Rajshahi WASA chief engineer Parvez Mahmud said, "In accordance with a letter of ERD in 2018, we started working with Chinese contractor Hunan Construction Engineering Group Corporation. The company has given suggestions for carrying out feasibility study and project design. Chinese Exim Bank arranged this contractor. As we have not received the loan, we are yet to start the work of the project. The negotiation for the loan has been finalised. So if we get the loan, we will be able to finish the work by two years."

Tender in limited scale​

China agreed to appoint contractor through a limited tender method in last December. However, that would not be applicable for the project of Rajshahi WASA.

Usually when China proposes loans for any project, the Chinese authorities fixes contractor for the specific project. That contractor implements the work. There is no scope to select contractor through a tender process.

Under the limited tendering method (LTM), only Chinese contractors will participate in the tender process for the appointment of contractors. One contract firm will be selected.
Loans agreements of 18.54 billion US dollars

In the last one decade Bangladesh has been implementing 12 projects with loans from China with hard conditions. The projects include multilane tunnel under Karnaphuli river, Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory, Dasherkandi sewage treatment plant, Info-Sarker Phase-3, Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway construction, Modernisation of Telecommunication Network for Digital Connection and power transmission lines extension and distribution.

Loan agreements of 18.54 billion US dollars have been signed for these projects. So far about 1.5 billion US dollars have been released. Of 12 projects being implemented by Chinese loans, the interest rate of loans for 11 projects is 2.15 per cent and the duration of loan payment including grace period is 15 years.

As the grace period of three projects -- Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory, Padma- Jashaldia water treatment plant and information technology development -- has ended, payment of loans of these projects has started. So far 1 billion US dollars have been paid.

 

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Leading global ICT solution and equipment provider Huawei will be setting up its 6th ICT Academy at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) soon to facilitate learning opportunities for the students and develop ICT talents.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held at CUET campus on Tuesday.

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, Vice-chancellor of CUET, was present as the chief guest while Director of South Asia Enterprise Partner Development and Management Dept of Huawei,. Zhang Cheng (Justin); Najia Samantha Islam, Manager, Corporate Affairs, South Asia Public Relations Dept. and Register of CUET Prof. Dr.Sheikh Muhammad Humayun Kabir; Prof. Dr. Mohammed Moshiul Hoque, Dean, Faculty of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Prof. Dr. Quazi Delwar Hossain, Director, Panning & Development, along with other faculty members were present at the signing ceremony.

In the first stage, faculty members of CUET will be provided necessary training through this ICT academy to become certified instructors. Later on, these certified instructors will impart knowledge and provide training for the students, reports UNB citing a press release.

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, vice-chancellor of CUET, said, “We are delighted to join hands with Huawei South Asia for establishing an ICT Academy on our campus.

Industry-academia collaboration is very pertinent in the present context to produce graduates with the right set of skills for the evolving world. I hope this academy will play significant roles in preparing our students for the future world.”

Zhang Cheng (Justin), Director of South Asia Enterprise Partner Development and Management Department, opined, “The world is changing owing to rapid digitalization. Huawei knows it and that’s why, we want to prepare talented individuals in a way so that they can thrive in the future world. For that to happen, it is important that they are equipped with proper ICT skills and an ICT ecosystem conducive for their learning is built.

Huawei has been taking various initiatives to enable this ICT ecosystem. In continuation of our efforts, we are setting up our 6th academy here at CUET.”

Huawei launched ICT Academy, an industry-academia cooperation project, back in 2013.

Currently, Huawei has 1,500 such ICT academies in more than 90 countries, including the UK, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In total, more than 927 colleges and universities are involved in this initiative, helping thousands of learners worldwide. Huawei South Asia has so far set up 5 ICT Academy at different universities of Bangladesh.

 

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The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram is set to develop fast with the appointment of a new developer – China Road and Bridge Corporation – nearly six years after its development began.

"The Chinese government has appointed the developer to replace the previous one, China Harbour Engineering Company, following our request. China Harbour failed to complete due works in time. Moreover, it kept the construction activities suspended for a long time," said Shaikh Yusuf Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), told The Business Standard.

With the appointment of the new developer, the construction of the economic zone is expected to get momentum, he hoped, adding that they have already inked a memorandum of understanding with the newly-appointed entity.

"We have had two negotiation meetings with them. Discussions are underway to finalise other required deals, including joint venture one," Yusuf Harun said and noted that the distribution of ownership stakes will be fixed after the deals.

The 805-acre Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone, located at Anwara upazila of Chattogram, has been under development on a government-to-government (G2G) basis since 2016 – the year when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh and laid its foundation.

The Beza is working to develop 100 economic zones, including this one, across the country by 2041 to support the country's development and employment generation.

The economic zone is just two kilometres away from the under construction Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel which is expected to bring a revaluation in road communication in the area. The economic zone will also benefit from the improved communication system.

Interestingly, the new developer for the economic zone, Chinese Road and Bridge Corporation, is also engaged with the construction of the tunnel, which makes Beza officials more optimistic about fast development of the zone.

"We expect that the Chinese economic zone will employ around 30,000 people once it goes into full operation," Yusuf Harun hoped.

"China is interested to invest in various Bangladeshi industries, especially in high-tech, leather, and garments, and the backward and forward linkage industries," Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary General Al Mamun Mridha told The Business Standard.

"China is the leader in manmade fibre. It can invest to establish such factories in Bangladesh as we import the fibre in large amounts."

The secretary-general said their association has 750 members, while 430 are direct Chinese investors.

Collaboration deal to attract more Chinese FDI

The Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority and the Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries have inked a new collaboration deal to further attract foreign direct investment from China.

Secretary General of the association Al Mamun Mridha and Beza General Manager Md Moniruzzaman inked the agreement, titled "Collaboration on promoting and branding Bangladesh globally and attracting foreign investment at Economic Zones in Bangladesh", on behalf of their respective organisations at the Beza office in the capital yesterday.

"We will work together to encourage Chinese companies to further invest in Bangladesh," Sheikh Yusuf Harun said.

"When we started working in 2003, Bangladesh's bilateral trade with China was a little over $1 billion, which has now grown to $25 billion thanks to our coordinated efforts," said Al Mamun. "Yet, there is huge investment potential from China. We will work to draw that, particular to economic zones."


Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal left Dhaka for China on a state visit on Tuesday night.

Chief of the navy (operations), and Commander of Dhaka Naval region saw him off at the Shahjalal International Airport, said a press release.

During the visit, the navy chief will pay courtesy calls on the Chinese Defence Minister, and senior naval officers of China, including the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Chief.

Besides, he will visit the Naval Logistic Academy of China and the warships of the Chinese Navy.

The ISPR said the navy chief Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal's visit would help to strengthen mutual cooperation and defence ties.

The navy chief will return home on 6 April.

 

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Why suddenly China?
Don't worry. I am not expecting any blunder.

Although if current regime try to take shelter from heavy western pressure, China seems to be their only option.
 

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Don't worry. I am not expecting any blunder.

Although if current regime try to take shelter from heavy western pressure, China seems to be their only option.
Maybe this is for submarine purchase.I don't think BN will go for Chinese surface combatants.Btw the next time you meet with the officer be sure to ask about prospects of Chinese naval platforms in BN.
 

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Maybe this is for submarine purchase.
Haha bro, you are getting overly optimistic.
In current economic situations let's just see if frigate program and MRCA is realized at first.
 

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What if suddenly we hear about 2× refurbished song class submarine?Will you like it?
Oh, for God shake please not the refurbished boats again!
Now it is time for some brand new boats. Even if in limited numbers.
 

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Now it is time for some brand new boats. Even if in limited numbers.
kana mama and nai mama but hopefully not those old Ming Subs but who knows . Always keep expectations low.
Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal left Dhaka for China on a state visit on Tuesday night.

Chief of the navy (operations), and Commander of Dhaka Naval region saw him off at the Shahjalal International Airport, said a press release.

During the visit, the navy chief will pay courtesy calls on the Chinese Defence Minister, and senior naval officers of China, including the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Chief.

Besides, he will visit the Naval Logistic Academy of China and the warships of the Chinese Navy.

The ISPR said the navy chief Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal's visit would help to strengthen mutual cooperation and defence ties.

The navy chief will return home on 6 April.
a week long state visit, hopefully this isn't a ''tour'' and something significant is in the works

What if suddenly we hear about 2× refurbished song class submarine?Will you like it?
The Nature of Chinese Defence Industry means that secrecy can be maintained to maintained to the maximum extent that is possible . Who knows maybe BN could have bought subs from PRC and we don't even know it.
 

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Bangladesh has asked China to relax some conditions relating to its $270 million loan for the Rajshahi Water Supply and Sewerage Authority to implement a project on treating surface water for consumers.

The Chinese loan would be used for installing 26.5-kilometre main pipeline and 48-kilometre primary and secondary pipelines for a strong water supply network under the project – RWASA Surface Water Treatment.

China has attached a number of conditions to the proposed loan.

The conditions include applying 0.25 per cent management and the same amount of commitment fee in the draft loan agreement the Chinese authority sent in January, according to the economic relations division and Rajsjahi WASA officials.

They said that the proposed loan would entail two per cent annual interest rate and it would mature in 20 years after a five-year grace.

Besides, China has proposed that the Chinese rules would prevail in case of cancelling the loan agreement.

While talking to New Age on March 27, Rajshahi WASA managing director Md Zakir Hossain said that the ERD had bargained over the loan conditions.

If the bargain becomes successful, a deal will be singed between the ERD and the China EXIM Bank, he added.

Zakir, however, did not make any comments on whether the proposed loan would be suitable for the Rajshahi WASA project.

According to the ERD officials, they had asked the Chinese authority to bring about changes to some areas of the proposed loan agreement while referring to decisions taken in a meeting held between the ERD and other stakeholders in late February.

The ERD sought to increase the loan maturity period to 25 years from the proposed 20 years and grace 6 years from proposed 5 years.

It has also wanted consultation between two parties regarding cancellation of the loan agreement.

The ERD expects a reply from China by this month, said the officials.

Rajshahi WASA has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Hunan Construction Engineering Group Corporation of China to implement the project approved by the executive committee of the National Economic Council in October 2018.

One major feature of the Chinese loan is that the Chinese companies will implement the projects.

In the past one decade, Bangladesh had been implementing 12 projects with loans from China under such conditions.

The projects include a rail line project through the Padma Bridge, a tunnel under Karnaphuli River, Shahjalal Fertiliser Factory, Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant, Info-Sarker Phase 3 and Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway construction. A loan agreement of $18.54 billion had been signed for these projects.

Under the RWASA Surface Water Treatment Project, water from the Padma River will be supplied to households for drinking purposes after necessary treatment under a 40-year water supply management master plan.

Of 6.5 lakh city dwellers, some 4.04 lakh are currently under the water supply coverage of Rajshahi WASA that is extracting some 7.9 crore litres of ground water against a daily demand for 11.3 crore litres.

 

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The construction of a China-Bangladesh joint venture medical college and hospital started formally in northern Bangladesh on Saturday.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi laid the foundation stone for the hospital, North Point Medical College and Hospital (NPMCH), during a ceremony.

He expressed hope that the hospital would be an exemplary health sector project, benefiting people from the country and in the region, reports Xinhua.

With an investment of Tk 25 billion, this medical college and hospital "is one of the largest health sector foreign investment projects in Bangladesh," Munshi told media on the project site in Bangladesh's northern Panchagarh district, 468 km away from the capital Dhaka.

"I believe that the joint venture hospital will develop into a model project, encouraging other industries," said Munshi, thanking China's support for Bangladesh's mega infrastructure development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said he felt proud that Chinese nationals and companies paid high attention to the health care of Bangladesh people, as nothing is closer to people's hearts than healing the dying and wounded.

The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh will extend full cooperation in establishing the medical college and hospital, which would pave the way for creating employment and development of infrastructure and other facilities in the region.

He said Chinese investments in Bangladesh have so far created 1 million job opportunities in the country.

Mazharul Haque Prodhan, Member of Parliament from Panchagarh, said they believe that the construction of the NPMCH would benefit the locals in terms of employment, infrastructure and other facilities.

Md Taufiq Hasan, project director of the NPMCH, told Xinhua that the project would employ 3,000 people directly and thousands of others indirectly by bringing in health sector veterans worldwide.

The NPMCH project's Bangladeshi partner, managing director HM Jahangir Alam Rana, told Xinhua that the NPMCH is aimed to deliver advanced tertiary-level medical care of international standards to the people of Bangladesh.

The hospital will start operation in the first phase and the medical college in the second phase of the project, he said.

He said the joint venture sends a very strong signal to Chinese investors that they are welcome to invest in Bangladesh where the potential is tremendous and projects are profitable.

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/article-70-gives-stability-to-government-pm-tells-parliament
 

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Chinese company Jibin Technology (BD) is going to set up a shoe accessories manufacturing industry in BEPZA Economic Zone (EZ) with an investment of $6 million.

They signed an agreement with Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) to this effect at BEPZA Complex in Dhaka on Monday, reads a press release.

Ali Reza Mazid, Member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA and Wu Xueli, Managing Director of Jibin Technology (BD) signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations, the release added.

BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman witnessed the signing ceremony.

Jibin Technology (BD) will annually produce 6 million pairs of shoe accessories items like Outsole, Midsole, Injection Parts, Backstay, Heel Clip, Toe Cap, Sports Spike, EVA, PU Foam, PU Component etc.

Initially they will create employment opportunities for 195 Bangladeshi nationals.

Mentionable that BEPZA EZ is the largest venture of BEPZA located at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar, Mirsharai, Chattogram on 1138.55 acres of land.

To turn it into a vibrant industrial enclave BEPZA signed lease agreements with a total 18 companies of home and abroad including Jibin Technology (BD). These companies will invest $400 million to produce diversified products including traditional readymade garments.

Among others, Member (Engineering) Mohammad Faruque Alam, Member (Finance) Nafisa Banu, Executive Director (Public Relations) Nazma Binte Alamgir, Project Director of BEPZA EZ Mohammad Anamul Haque, Additional Executive Director (Investment Promotion) Md. Fazlul Haque Mazumder were present during the signing ceremony.

 

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