Bangladesh News Bangladesh - China Relation

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Bangladesh has climbed a whopping 40 notches up in a decade in the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) China Going Global Investment Index 2023, standing as the 12th most attractive destination for Chinese investors after India (11th).

Released on 7 September, the 2023 edition of the index ranked 80 investment destinations based on their appeal to Chinese investors, using around 200 indicators.

Bangladesh was in 52nd position in the 2013 edition of the index.

The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, and in the decade since, Chinese companies have become formidable global investors. The EIU forecasted that China will regain its position as the second-largest source of overseas direct investment (ODI) by 2024.

Singapore topped the 2023 ranking as the most attractive destination for Chinese investors.

"Its appeal lies in its status as an established global business hub, its cultural ties to China and its neutrality in the tensions between China and the West", read the report.

Indonesia came 2nd as the attractiveness of the country stems from its nickel reserves, abundant cheap labour and vast market size.

It is followed by Malaysia (3rd), Hong Kong (4th), Thailand (5th), Vietnam (6th), Switzerland (7th), the United Arab Emirates (8th), Saudi Arabia (9th), and Chile (10th).

The report highlighted, "South-east and South Asia have climbed steadily in the ranking since 2013, reflecting the regions' robust growth outlook, growing middle class, abundant strategic natural resources and relative openness towards Chinese investors."

The EIU has pinpointed four motivations for which Chinese companies "go global": market expansion, supply-chain development, natural resources and technology and innovation.

The risk considerations include a country's bilateral relations with China and the operational and financial risks to general foreign investors.

Within these categories of opportunity and risk, they have selected a series of around 200 forward-looking quantitative indicators to generate the overall China Going Global Investment Index.

Market expansion opportunities are more prevalent in South-east and South Asia.

Bangladesh ranked as the second most attractive destination for market expansion investment, after Indonesia.

The EIU forecasted that Indonesia and Bangladesh will be among the top 20 global economies by 2040, based on market size, economic growth and the potential of the aforementioned sectors.

Bangladesh stood as the 8th most attractive destination for supply-chain development investment, the sub-ranking assessed the competitiveness of different investment destinations as key supply-chain nodes of Chinese manufacturers.

Recognising different levels of risk tolerance and management capacity among investors, the EIU has supplemented the ranking with an opportunity/risk matrix—a tool designed to categorise markets into various groups.

Bangladesh is among destinations with more opportunities and less risk.

 

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Chinese factory M/s QSL.S Garments Co, is going to set up a RMG industry in Mongla EPZ (MEPZ) with an investment of $ 19.5 million.

In presence of the Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and M/s QSL.S Garments Co, signed an agreement to this effect at BEPZA Complex, Dhaka today (10 September).

Nafisa Banu, Member (Finance) of BEPZA and Mr. Wanle Xuan, Managing Director of QSL.S Garments Co., Ltd. signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. This fully foreign owned company will produce annually 6 million pcs of woven & knit garments products like Shirt, T-Shirt, Jacket, Pant, Shorts, etc. They will create employment opportunities for 2598 Bangladeshi nationals.

Among others, Executive Director (Public Relations) Nazma Binte Alamgir, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) Md. Tanvir Hossain and Executive Director (Enterprise Services) Md. Khorshid Alam witnessed the signing ceremony.

 

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Chinese company Cherry Button Limited will invest $12.2 million to establish a garment accessories manufacturing factory at the Adamjee Export Processing Zone in Narayanganj.

To this end, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) and Cherry Button signed an agreement at the Bepza Complex in Dhaka yesterday, according to a press release.

The company will produce 1,650 million pieces of metal buttons, plastic buttons, metal zippers, vislon zippers, nylon coil zippers, and other accessories like eyelets, rivets, stoppers, badges, buckles, and suspender buckles annually.

The investment will create jobs for 1,068 Bangladeshi nationals.

Ali Reza Mazid, investment promotion member of Bepza, and MA Miaoyan (Jasika), chairman of Cherry Button, signed the agreement, the press release added.

 

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Chinese company M/s Bangladesh Boyang Textile Co Ltd is going to establish a textile and home textile manufacturing venture within the Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ), with an investment of $23.15 million.

To this effect, Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) signed an agreement with the company at Bepza Complex in Dhaka on Sunday, in the presence of Bepza Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, said a press release.

The company is expected to generate employment opportunities for approximately 1,993 Bangladeshi nationals.

Bangladesh Boyang Textile Co has a target to produce an impressive 50 million metres of Linen/Cotton Woven and denim Fabrics annually, alongside 3 million pieces of home textiles such as pillowcases, bed sheets, and tablecloths.

Ali Reza Mazid, member (Investment Promotion) of Bepza, and Peng Liu, chairman of Bangladesh Boyang Textile Co Ltd, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

 

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A Chinese firm has been contracted to build a solar power plant in Bangladesh.

A total of three solar power plants were approved by the Bangladesh cabinet on Wednesday (27 September).

A joint venture of Fujian Yongfu Power Engineering Co Ltd of China, Air Waves Pvt Limited and Moni Traders Limited will set up 70-MW solar power plant in Bandarban from which the BPDB will buy per unit of power at $9.99 (equivalent to Tk10.96) for a period of 20 years.

With the three approvals, the government awarded contracts to establish solar power plants of more than 1000MW in the past six months.

 

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The Bangladesh Bank has given its consent to proceed with Chinese loan offers in its own currency, the yuan, as a cost-saving alternative to dollar-denominated financing.

The decision follows the finance ministry's request for the central bank's assessment of the pros and cons of Chinese loans in yuan versus the traditional US dollar, according to sources of the finance ministry.

In August this year, the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of China proposed to finance Preferential Buyer's Credit-funded projects in its own currency. The proposal emerged in response to the volatile exchange rate of the US dollar, which had depleted the foreign exchange reserves of many countries.

The Chinese government typically extends two types of loans: Preferential Buyer's Credit (PBC) in US dollars and Government Concessional Loan (GCL) in its own currency. In light of the scarcity and high costs associated with the dollar in the global market, China's Exim Bank recommended that Bangladesh consider taking PBC loans in yuan.

A senior official at the central bank pointed out that the US Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates to combat inflation. He said if Bangladesh takes loans from China in dollars, the interest rate would be nearly 6%.

In contrast, yuan-denominated loans would cost only 2.5%, offering a significant interest rate advantage, he added.

One Chinese Yuan equals USD 0.14 on 25 October 2023 rate. In other words, $1 is equal to 7.30 Chinese Yuan.

Also, the Bangladesh Bank clarified that Chinese loans do not impact the country's foreign exchange reserves as these are typically used to purchase goods from China, and the import payments are made directly by the lending bank to the supplier's bank in China. The central bank official explained that opting to repay in yuan instead of dollars could result in an exchange gain, further enhancing the financial benefits of this decision.

What experts say

MA Razzaque, research director at the Policy Research Institute, told The Business Standard that Bangladesh typically repays loans in US dollars. However, since the interest rate on yuan-denominated Chinese loans is lower, the country could save money by purchasing yuan from its reserves and using it to repay the loans. This would also reduce the depletion of its reserves.

"When importing goods, we should compare prices with those of other countries. If the price from China is lower or equal, then it is beneficial for us," the economist said. "We must use Chinese loans in a way that increases our export earnings. If we spend these loans on infrastructure, the output from those projects may be low, which will put pressure on our loan repayments."

When asked whether borrowing in yuan would have any geopolitical implications, he replied, "If China's loans are used to finance exports, I don't see any geopolitical problems. However, if these loans are used to fund projects that increase China's influence, geopolitical concerns may arise."

MA Razzaque said the central bank has carefully reviewed the overall feasibility of Chinese debt, adding, "If we clearly discuss the terms and conditions with all stakeholders before taking yuan loans from China for future projects, there will be no geopolitical implications."

Finance ministry's views on yuan loans

The finance ministry's review found that, under China's loan rules, Preferential Buyer's Credit loans can be used to purchase 65% of construction materials and 40% of electronics materials from outside China, but the outward import bills must be paid in yuan. This requires Bangladesh to convert US dollars into yuan, which introduces currency conversion risk and could increase the actual cost of the project.

It also noted that Bangladesh's export income from China is $1 billion, while its import expenditure is around $16 billion. This trade is conducted in US dollars, which limits the opportunities for Bangladesh to obtain yuan.

What central bank says in its reply to finance ministry

The Bangladesh Bank wrote to the finance ministry that due to the US Federal Reserve's high policy rate, global interest rates on US dollar loans have increased significantly. The country's foreign exchange market faces several challenges in terms of US dollar demand and supply. Currently, taking loans from China in yuan instead of the dollar would result in lower interest rates, exchange gains, and the need to purchase yuan with dollars. In that case, China's debt could be accepted in yuan.

The Bangladesh Bank has expressed its preference for yuan-denominated loans, citing China's central bank's ongoing policy of reducing interest rates as a part of its expansionary monetary strategy aimed at stimulating GDP growth. As an example, last August, the one-year loan prime rate saw a 10-basis-point reduction to 3.45%. Consequently, the yuan is anticipated to weaken against the US dollar.

When asked if Bangladesh is inclined towards yuan-denominated loans, Mezbaul Haque, spokesperson for the central bank, declined to comment, stating, "I am not informed about this matter."

The central bank said since 2016, the yuan has been included in the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket. It also said Bangladesh has paid a total of 3.66 billion yuan from 2018-2023 against the yuan loan received from China. As a result, there will be no problem with repaying debt in yuan in the future.

Chinese loan status in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has received 17 billion yuan (equivalent to $2.5 billion) in yuan loans, of which 3.2 billion yuan has been repaid in principal and interest, according to data from the finance ministry.

Bangladesh currently has 10 projects in the pipeline with Chinese financing. Of these, Bangladesh has already agreed to receive 9.49 billion yuan (equivalent to $1.32 billion) in yuan for six projects. China has now proposed to provide $2.87 billion (equivalent to 20.65 billion yuan) in yuan for the remaining four projects. If Bangladesh accepts these loans in yuan, its total debt in the Chinese currency will amount to 45.84 billion yuan.


The government has approved the setting up of another 100MW solar power plant in the private sector on a "no electricity, no payment" basis.

A Chinese consortium of Cassiopea Fashion Limited, Xizi Clean Energy Equipment Manufacturing Company, and Cassiopea Apparels Limited will set up the power plant at Gouripur in Mymensingh on a "Build, Own and Operate" basis.

The Cabinet Committee on Public Procurement on Wednesday approved the tariff proposal for the setting up of the power plant, said Additional Secretary to the Cabinet Division Syed Mahbub Khan after the meeting, presided over by Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal.

As per the approved tariff, the government will purchase power from the solar plant for the next 20 years at a rate of $0.10/kWh, which is Tk11.05 per kWh at the current exchange rate. In line with the current exchange rate, the total expenditure of the government on purchasing power from the solar plant will be Tk3,580.80 crore over two decades.

It will take 24 months to build the plant, an official of the Power Division told The Business Standard.

However, the government will consider the dollar-taka exchange rate of Sonali Bank on the first day of a month after the billing month in paying the electricity bill. In other words, if the taka depreciates, the price of electricity will also increase.

The government has been attaching importance to the development and expansion of renewable energy to ensure universal electricity service and energy security. Hence, it is encouraging private sector participation in power generation through using solar energy, the largest source of renewable energy.

An official told TBS that the sponsor company will manage the entire project cost, including the necessary land resources, transmission lines for power transmission and construction of substations.

The sponsor company had offered the Power Division a power purchase agreement with the government for a period of 25 years. It had proposed a tariff of $0.14/kWh, which is Tk15.47 per kWh at the current exchange rate.

According to the brief sent by the Power Division to the Cabinet Committee on Public Procurement, a 132KV common switchyard is to be constructed at the proposed solar power plant for power evacuation and from there a 9.5km 132KV double circuit transmission for bay extension at the under-construction Shambhuganj grid substation end. The sponsor company will construct the line and provide the required land.

The Cabinet Committee on Public Procurement approved the tariffs for three solar-based power plants from April to August. Among them, the tariff of 44MW power plant at Trishal of Mymensingh and 400MW power plant at Rampal were fixed at $0.10/kWh and the tariff of 50MW power plant at Dimla of Nilphamari was fixed at $0.0998/kWh.

Power Division officials said there is another proposal to build a 100MW solar-based power plant at Trishal, which will be implemented by a consortium consisting of Total Fren SA Ltd gchQ Anand Energy pte ltd. The cost of construction of Common Switchyard, purchase of required land at Shambhuganj grid substation end and cost of construction of transmission line will be borne by both sponsoring companies proportionately.

Besides, the cabinet committee approved the extension of the term and tariff of Ashuganj 55MW gas-based rental power plant. The government's 2nd phase (5 years) contract with sponsor company Precision Energy Limited expired in April and the company proposed extending the term. The committee approved the renewal of the contract for five years at Tk6.256 per kWh on a "no electricity, no payment" basis. The sponsor company will receive Tk1205 crore as tariff during this extended period.

Meanwhile, the cabinet committee also approved a proposal to import 33.60 lakh MMBTU of LNG from the spot market. Total Energies Gas & Power Limited will provide the LNG at around Tk713 crore at $16.34 per MMBTU.


Chinese company Red Forest Limited is going to set up a wig and carnival costume manufacturing industry in Uttara EPZ with an investment of $2.26 million.

The company signed an agreement with Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) to this effect at BEPZA Complex, Dhaka on Wednesday (1 November), reads a press release.

Member (Engineering) of BEPZA Mohammad Faruque Alam and Director of Red Forest Limited Li Chao, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman was also present at the signing ceremony.

Red Forest Limited will annually produce 4.09 million pieces of wigs and carnival costume. Some 379 Bangladeshi nationals will get employment opportunity under this initiative.

Among others, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) Md Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Enterprise Services) Md Khorshid Alam and Executive Director (Public Relations) ASM Anwar Parvez were present during the signing ceremony.


Chinese company M/s United Spinning and Dyeing Ltd is going to invest $28.20 million to set up a Dyed Textile Yarn manufacturing industry in Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ).

To this end, Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) signed an agreement with the company at Bepza Complex, Dhaka on Monday (20 November), reads a press release.

Ali Reza Mazid, member (investment promotion) of Bepza, and Yu Min, managing director of United Spinning and Dyeing Ltd, signed the agreement.

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

Yu Min, managing director of United Spinning and Dyeing Ltd, said it is their first project in EPZ and they have a plan to invest more.

He hoped that the company would come into production within the next October.

The Bepza Executive Chairman thanked United Spinning and Dyeing Ltd for choosing Uttara EPZ for investment. Mentioning upcoming Jashore and Patuakhali EPZs, he requested to make a plan to invest there in diversified products.

United Spinning and Dyeing Limited will create employment opportunities for 1,816 Bangladeshis and produce 12,000 tonnes of dyed textile yarn annually.

Member (Engineering) Mohammad Faruque Alam, Executive Director (Administration) A N M Foyzul Haque, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) Md Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Enterprise Services) Md Khorshid Alam and Executive Director (Public Relations) ASM Anwar Parvez were also present during the signing ceremony.


Following numerous complications, speculations and uncertainties, the 5G readiness project of the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) has successfully come to fruition.

The state-owned telecom firm awarded the contract to the lowest bidder Huawei that quoted a price Tk137 crore less than the government's approved cost, according to BTCL officials.

On 13 November, the BTCL board of directors approved the proposal to award the project to Huawei and on 19 November the BTCL signed the equipment supply agreement with Huawei at its head office in the capital.

The 5G readiness initiative, aimed at launching 5G in the country, costs Tk1,059 crore, receiving approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) in February 2022.

The project budget includes an estimated equipment purchase cost of Tk463 crore. The procurement tender invited in August 2022 was opened in December that year.

Chinese Huawei, ZTE and Finnish Nokia along with their respective local partner firms bid at Tk326 crore, Tk415 crore and Tk579 crore respectively.

However, there had been a quarter to disrupt the tender process and the lowest bidder fought them at the government's Central Procurement Technical Unit and also in the Supreme Court before its recent victory.

Huawei Bangladesh's Account Responsible Moinul Hasan said in a statement, "Huawei is committed to work with the government to build a smart Bangladesh. We have been working with the Bangladesh government for 25 years.

"We will provide advanced technologies used globally in the 5G Readiness Project to implement the government's vision of 2041."

He also condemned "the persistent attempts by one party to delay the project, including calls for new tenders to safeguard their interests".

"Huawei secured the job following comprehensive evaluations by entities such as the Technical Evaluation Committee and the Board of Directors of BTCL," he added.

 

yf120

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This is what I have been saying regarding the USA-China balancing act for many years. This could have been BD too. I mean, this has been the case since the 90s, but alas, because of a certain third country, we're now in a critical situation.

 

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State Minister of Commerce Ahsanul Islam has urged the Chinese government to initiate the operations of a Chinese bank in Bangladesh to facilitate the use of yuan for bilateral trade.

"The Chinese currency has been recognised by the government as the official currency since last month to facilitate trade with China for Bangladesh," he mentioned during the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) and China Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce Industry (BCCCI) Journalism Award ceremony held at the Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Sunday.

Conducted by ERF General Secretary Abul Kashem, the event featured speeches from Minister Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of China in Bangladesh Hualong Yan, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Md Mahbubul Alam, BCCCI President Gazi Golam Murtoza, its Secretary Al Mamun Mridha, and ERF President Refayet Ullah Mirdha."

Mentioning that Bangladesh has the potential to become a global trade hub, Ahsanul said, "The bilateral trade gap with China is substantial – around $22 billion. Increasing China's investment in the country is essential to narrowing this gap. We can potentially reduce this disparity by re-exporting products made through China's investment."

He added that achieving the goal of smart market management requires identifying and addressing the issues in market management.

He said the commerce ministry oversees both imports and exports, implementing business-supportive policies aimed at safeguarding consumer interests. Specific initiatives, particularly concerning Ramadan products, have been introduced. The National Board of Revenue has been urged to consider reducing duties on essential items such as oil, chickpeas, chilies, pulses, and onions.

"The prime minister also supports this stance, and we anticipate that the supply of these products will remain uninterrupted," he mentioned.

The state minister assured, "There is a sufficient stock of food products for the upcoming Ramadan. Proposals have been submitted to the prime minister to reduce import duties on some other products, with the hope that they will positively impact consumers during Ramadan."

He mentioned that the country currently has 18 lakh tonnes of rice in stock, and an additional 13 lakh tonnes of food grains have been imported. The supply of various products is expected to remain normal during the month of fasting.

"We are engaged in coordinating efforts at the production, import, and export levels. Collaborative endeavours with all stakeholders are ongoing," he added.

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam stated that Bangladesh has grown from a $90 billion economy to a $470 billion one. The country is now on the path toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy.

"The China Chamber has been encouraged to collaborate in order to boost Chinese investment in Bangladesh," he added.

 

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  • Bangladesh will hold a 30% stake in the plant while the Chinese firm 70%
  • The Chinese company will not only invest but will also provide loans
  • An agreement will be signed today to set up the plant

As part of Bangladesh's renewable energy push, a joint venture between China's CREC International Renewable Energy Company and Bangladesh's B-R Powergen Limited (BRPL) will establish a 100MW solar power plant on 350 acres of land in Madarganj upazila of Jamalpur.

The Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) is expected to be signed at The Bangladesh Power Development Board office in the capital today, according to power ministry sources.

Habibur Rahman, senior secretary of the Power Division, will attend the signing ceremony as the chief guest.

According to sources, BRPL, a company jointly owned by the Power Development Board and the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB), will possess a 30% stake in the plant, while the Chinese company will hold the remaining 70%.

The solar power plant is slated to produce 100MW of electricity under a 20-year agreement.

Officials from the Power Division told TBS that the Chinese firm is keen to set up this plant. It will not only invest but also offer loans for the construction of the plant.

Despite holding a 70% stake in the project, the Chinese company will assume full responsibility for all loans, whether domestic or foreign. This arrangement ensures that Bangladesh will not be required to provide any sovereign guarantees while also maintaining proportional investments, they said.

In line with the Renewable Energy Policy of 2009, the government aims to facilitate both public and private sector investments in renewable energy projects to replace indigenous non-renewable energy supplies and increase contributions from existing renewable energy-based electricity productions.

The policy envisages achieving 5% of total energy production from renewable sources by 2015 and 10% by 2020; however, these targets have not yet been met.

Currently, Bangladesh's electricity generation capacity stands at around 30,000 megawatts, with approximately 1,300 megawatts generated from renewable sources, including about 716 megawatts from solar, wind, and hydropower.

M Zakir Hossain Khan, a climate finance expert and chief executive of the Change Initiative, told TBS, "Bangladesh aims to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable and clean energy sources by 2041 under the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan [MCPP]. The establishment of the solar power plant in Jamalpur is a significant step towards achieving this goal. However, protecting the local ecology and community participation in decision making process and not to destroy the agricultural lands of the already victim people are the key to just energy transition."

The plan focuses on assessing renewable energy resources, developing a finance strategy, improving tariff processes, and ensuring compliance and transparency in renewable energy projects and time-bound resource mobilisation, Zakir added.

In a notable shift towards sustainable energy, Bangladesh approved an impressive 2.19GW of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects in 2023.

With an implementation timeline from initial planning in 2023 to full operation by 2027, these projects are set to significantly enhance the country's renewable energy capacity, foster economic growth, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

 

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This one is big.

Talks on Chinese loan proposals will be at the fore during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to Beijing.

During her visit, Bangladesh may seek around $5 billion in budget support in addition to loans for a number of large projects, said a finance ministry official on condition of anonymity.

While visiting Bangladesh in October 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised about $20 billion -- the largest amount committed by a bilateral partner of Bangladesh -- over the following four years to implement 27 projects.

Bangladesh is again expecting Chinese financing at a time when it is facing pressure to maintain adequate foreign currency reserves.

Hasina's is likely to be in China on July 8-11.

Seeking anonymity, a top official of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) said they have received proposals for large projects from different ministries which suggest taking loans.

The government has been in talks with China about the projects. However, nothing has been finalised yet, the official said.

One of the projects under consideration for Chinese funding is the construction of a broad-gauge rail line from Bhanga to Kuakata via Barishal and Payra Port. It is estimated to cost about $5 billion.

Another project under consideration is the MRT Line-2, from Gabtoli to Narayanganj via Gulistan with a branch line from Gulistan to Sadarghat.

The underground and elevated metro rail is estimated to cost around $5 billion.

Besides, Bangladesh has already sought more than 36 billion yuan, equivalent to $5 billion, as soft loans from China for trade facility.

At present, Bangladesh has about $22 billion trade deficit with China. Once received, the $5 billion policy loan will help the country ease the ongoing pressure on foreign currency reserves.

The ERD official said they were in talks with China regarding the policy loan and that a deal could be signed during Hasina's visit.

Although China had promised to lend about $20 billion in 2016, as of January this year, the two sides managed to sign agreements on only nine projects, involving $8.08 billion, figures from the ERD show.

Of the $8.08 billion, Bangladesh could utilise only $4.91 billion, less than a quarter of the money promised by China.

Red-tape on both sides is largely to blame for the slow loan disbursements, said officials and experts.

The ERD official said this time, loan agreements are expected to be signed under a model different from the one used after 2016.

After China promised the $20 billion, agreements were signed on a project-by-project basis.

This time, officials are expecting that the loan agreements would be signed during Hasina's visit.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Zahid Hussain, a former lead economist at the World Bank's Dhaka office, said what the Chinese president had announced was a promise.

He thinks that red-tape on both sides has been responsible for the slow progress and low fund disbursements.

Kazi Shofiqul Azam, a former secretary to the ERD, said there were bottlenecks on both sides, causing delays in loan-deal finalisation and implementation.

"The countries need to follow a number of formalities, and they are time-consuming sometimes. This has been the main reason behind the delays a project face … ."

STATUS OF 27 PROJECTS

Twenty-seven projects were supposed to be funded with the $20 billion initial commitment. Of those, two projects have been struck off the list.

Two projects – the digital connectivity project of Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Ltd (BTCL) and the Info Sarker-3 of the Bangladesh Computer Council -- involving $388 million have been implemented.

Seven other projects received $7.7 billion and their implementation is ongoing.

The Karnaphuli Tunnel, built under a $707 million project, has been opened to traffic.

The $550 million Single Point Mooring with a double pipeline project and the $2.67 billion Padma rail link project are nearing completion.

The expansion and strengthening of the power system network ($1.4 billion), the power grid network project ($977 million), the Dhaka-Ashulia elevated expressway project ($1.12 billion), and Rajshahi Wasa surface water treatment plant project ($276.25 million) -- are in various stages of implementation.

The loan applications have been sent for two projects. The loan agreement for the establishment of digital connectivity involving $473.75 million is likely to be signed this year.

Negotiations for commercial contracts to convert the Akhaura-Sylhet rail line to dual-gauge from metre gauge, involving $1.3 billion, and expansion and modernisation of Mongla port, costing $354 million, were underway.

Four projects are being evaluated by the Chinese side: Chinese economic and industrial zone in Chattogram ($221 million); construction of dual-gauge line parallel to the existing metre-gauge line on Joydevpur-Mymensingh-Jamalpur section ($902 million); water supply, sanitation, drainage and solid waste management for small size municipalities ($229 million); and construction of the sewage collection system under Dasherkandi sewage treatment plant catchment of Dhaka city ($198 million).


After almost a decade, prime minister Sheikh Hasina is to pay a state visit to China in the second week of July. During formal talks with Prime Minister Li Qiang on 9 July, financial assistance to meet Bangladesh's budget deficit and funding of new projects will be given importance.

Various areas of economic cooperation will gain focus during the forthcoming visit. In the backdrop of contemporary circumstances, geopolitics is likely to feature is discussions between the two leaders. A source at a high level in the government informed Prothom Alo of the matter.

According to diplomatic sources, a significant aspect of this visit will be a Chinese loan of USD 7 billion (USD 700 crore), equal to around 50.40 billion yuan (5,040 crore yuan). Of this, China will provide the equivalent USD 5 billion under trade assistance and the equivalent of USD 2 billion under budget assistance in local currency as credit to Bangladesh.

Also, just as decision has been taken for transactions in taka and rupees with India, a decision may also be taken for transactions in taka and yuan with China. An MoU to this end is being prepared.

Preparation is on so far for 11 instruments, including seven MoUs, to be signed during the prime minister's Beijing visit. Significant among these are China's Global Development Initiative (GDI), trade assistance, investment protection, digital economy, blue economy, announcement of free trade agreement study as well as construction and renovation of several friendship bridges.

Foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen told Prothom Alo priority will be attached to trade and economy during the prime minister's visit. Discussions will focus on addressing the existing trade imbalance and areas of assistance. Talks are on with China about trade assistance and budget assistance. This will possibly be finalised during the visit.

Visit before the visit​

Two weeks in advance of the prime minister's Beijing visit, China's Communist Party central committee's international department minister Liu Jianchao arrived in Dhaka on Saturday. During his four-day trip he is scheduled to meet prime minister Sheikh Hasina and foreign minister Hasan Mahmud. He will also meet with leaders of Awami League and other political parties.


Diplomatic sources say that the Dhaka visit of such an important leader of China's Communist Party before the prime minister's Beijing visit is significant. Relations between the two countries at a political level grew close particularly after 2016.
Liu Jianchao will apprise Dhaka of Beijing's views concerning the upcoming visit. He will also try to understand Bangladesh's views concerning the future of relations between the two countries, added the sources.

Main visit two days​

Diplomatic sources further say that prime minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit China from 8 to 11 July. However, the main agenda of the trip will be limited to 9 and 10 July.
On 9 July official talks will be held between the two prime ministers. On 10 July prime minister Sheikh Hasina will hold talks with the Chinese president Xi Jinping. The prime minister is also scheduled to meet with the president of the Chinese parliament National People's Congress of China, Zhou Lusi.

Large loans in Chinese currency​

Dhaka and Beijing diplomatic sources say, Bangladesh has sought credit assistance from several countries in order to tackle the dollar crunch and the diminishing foreign exchange reserves. China is on the list of these countries. A few months ago China expressed interest in providing loans in yuan. The country has already started international transactions in yuan with several countries.

Initially China wanted to provide a trade facilitation loan in local currency equivalent to around USD 5 billion. And Bangladesh wanted loan as budget assistance. Bangladesh reasoned that if the loan was taken as trade assistance, it would become a commercial loan. This may mean high interest and shorter repayment deadline. That could put pressure on the foreign debt situation. In consideration of the country's overall condition, low interest long term loans can be taken. That makes it more logical to use the loan as budget assistance rather than trade facilitation. Later discussions were held with China about budget assistance loans.

At the start of this month Bangladesh and Chinese officials discussed the credit issue. Finally China agreed to providing credit both as trade facilitation and budget assistance. This correspondent was told by several officials present at the talks in Beijing, that the loan may be given from China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and the state-owned EXIM Bank.

Tariff-free facilities even after 2026​

There is a huge trade deficit between Bangladesh and China. While China provides 98 per cent tariff-free facilities on Bangladesh products, Bangladesh's exports to that country has hardly increased. Last year Bangladesh exported products of around USD 700 million and imported goods of over USD 20 billion.

Foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen said that the 98 per cent tariff-free facilities that China provides for Bangladeshi goods hardly makes any difference. It was also proposed that even after 2026 the tariff-free facilities should remain in place.

Transactions in local currency​

Bangladesh's bilateral trade with China now exceeds USD 20 billion, almost all of which comprises imports by Bangladesh. Bangladesh has to spend huge amounts of dollars to import goods from China. The officials feel that if Bangladesh could use yuan for imports, this will be a big relief in this time of dollar crisis.
Foreign ministry officials have said that talks are on for trade transactions to be in taka-yuan as in the case of taka-rupee transactions with India. There are talks of an MoU to be signed in this regard between Bangladesh Bank and China's National Financial Regulatory Commission.

New projects​

China's president Xi Jinping visited Dhaka in September 2016. During this historic visit, it was decided to implement 27 projects. Of these, 15 have been completed, six are underway and there is consideration of replacing the remaining six with new projects.

It has been learnt that Bangladesh raised some new projects for China's consideration at the foreign secretary level meeting between the two countries at the beginning of this month. It was pointed out to China that much delay is made in scrutinising the projects for which the feasibility of the projects is harmed.

Geopolitical discussions relevant​

Bangladesh's prime minister is visiting Bangladesh at a time when much is happening at an international and regional level. After President Xi Jinping's Dhaka visit in 2016, ties between the two countries grew strong at a political level.

In this contest, according to diplomatic sources, it will be normal for the unstable situation in Rakhine, Myanmar, the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea, Taiwan and such issues to be raised in the discussions.
When their attention was drawn to talks at various levels between the two countries in recent times, several diplomats told this correspondent that China has raised the issues of the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), as well as about the US and its allies. Even after Bangladesh declared its Indo-Pacific Outlook before prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Japan visit last year, Bangladesh held talks with China. China was not too pleased with the joint declaration during that trip. Later Bangladesh explained the matter and assuaged China's unease.

Diplomatic analysts feel that China is at present under pressure due to the Taiwan situation. This issue will be raised. Bangladesh as always followed the 'One China' policy. Bangladesh wants China's support for its development efforts. And China wants to consolidate its position among the South Asian countries by contributing to the development process. So China is likely to raise the issues of India, Japan, the US and such like-minded countries during talks this time.

When asked about the issue, Bangladesh former ambassador to China Munshi Faiz told Prothom Alo, the matter of economic cooperation in continuity of the past will gain priority during prime minister's China visit. Alongside bilateral relations, the matter of relations with India and geopolitical issues may emerge in the talks.

He further said in this regard we must advance forward, taking the sensitivity of all parties concerned. In consideration of national interests in the light of greater geopolitics, Bangladesh needs to explain to China that it gives due importance to the sensitivities and views of all countries.

 
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Afif

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This one is big.

Talks on Chinese loan proposals will be at the fore during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to Beijing.

During her visit, Bangladesh may seek around $5 billion in budget support in addition to loans for a number of large projects, said a finance ministry official on condition of anonymity.

While visiting Bangladesh in October 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised about $20 billion -- the largest amount committed by a bilateral partner of Bangladesh -- over the following four years to implement 27 projects.

Bangladesh is again expecting Chinese financing at a time when it is facing pressure to maintain adequate foreign currency reserves.

Hasina's is likely to be in China on July 8-11.

Seeking anonymity, a top official of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) said they have received proposals for large projects from different ministries which suggest taking loans.

The government has been in talks with China about the projects. However, nothing has been finalised yet, the official said.

One of the projects under consideration for Chinese funding is the construction of a broad-gauge rail line from Bhanga to Kuakata via Barishal and Payra Port. It is estimated to cost about $5 billion.

Another project under consideration is the MRT Line-2, from Gabtoli to Narayanganj via Gulistan with a branch line from Gulistan to Sadarghat.

The underground and elevated metro rail is estimated to cost around $5 billion.

Besides, Bangladesh has already sought more than 36 billion yuan, equivalent to $5 billion, as soft loans from China for trade facility.

At present, Bangladesh has about $22 billion trade deficit with China. Once received, the $5 billion policy loan will help the country ease the ongoing pressure on foreign currency reserves.

The ERD official said they were in talks with China regarding the policy loan and that a deal could be signed during Hasina's visit.

Although China had promised to lend about $20 billion in 2016, as of January this year, the two sides managed to sign agreements on only nine projects, involving $8.08 billion, figures from the ERD show.

Of the $8.08 billion, Bangladesh could utilise only $4.91 billion, less than a quarter of the money promised by China.

Red-tape on both sides is largely to blame for the slow loan disbursements, said officials and experts.

The ERD official said this time, loan agreements are expected to be signed under a model different from the one used after 2016.

After China promised the $20 billion, agreements were signed on a project-by-project basis.

This time, officials are expecting that the loan agreements would be signed during Hasina's visit.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Zahid Hussain, a former lead economist at the World Bank's Dhaka office, said what the Chinese president had announced was a promise.

He thinks that red-tape on both sides has been responsible for the slow progress and low fund disbursements.

Kazi Shofiqul Azam, a former secretary to the ERD, said there were bottlenecks on both sides, causing delays in loan-deal finalisation and implementation.

"The countries need to follow a number of formalities, and they are time-consuming sometimes. This has been the main reason behind the delays a project face … ."

STATUS OF 27 PROJECTS

Twenty-seven projects were supposed to be funded with the $20 billion initial commitment. Of those, two projects have been struck off the list.

Two projects – the digital connectivity project of Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Ltd (BTCL) and the Info Sarker-3 of the Bangladesh Computer Council -- involving $388 million have been implemented.

Seven other projects received $7.7 billion and their implementation is ongoing.

The Karnaphuli Tunnel, built under a $707 million project, has been opened to traffic.

The $550 million Single Point Mooring with a double pipeline project and the $2.67 billion Padma rail link project are nearing completion.

The expansion and strengthening of the power system network ($1.4 billion), the power grid network project ($977 million), the Dhaka-Ashulia elevated expressway project ($1.12 billion), and Rajshahi Wasa surface water treatment plant project ($276.25 million) -- are in various stages of implementation.

The loan applications have been sent for two projects. The loan agreement for the establishment of digital connectivity involving $473.75 million is likely to be signed this year.

Negotiations for commercial contracts to convert the Akhaura-Sylhet rail line to dual-gauge from metre gauge, involving $1.3 billion, and expansion and modernisation of Mongla port, costing $354 million, were underway.

Four projects are being evaluated by the Chinese side: Chinese economic and industrial zone in Chattogram ($221 million); construction of dual-gauge line parallel to the existing metre-gauge line on Joydevpur-Mymensingh-Jamalpur section ($902 million); water supply, sanitation, drainage and solid waste management for small size municipalities ($229 million); and construction of the sewage collection system under Dasherkandi sewage treatment plant catchment of Dhaka city ($198 million).


After almost a decade, prime minister Sheikh Hasina is to pay a state visit to China in the second week of July. During formal talks with Prime Minister Li Qiang on 9 July, financial assistance to meet Bangladesh's budget deficit and funding of new projects will be given importance.

Various areas of economic cooperation will gain focus during the forthcoming visit. In the backdrop of contemporary circumstances, geopolitics is likely to feature is discussions between the two leaders. A source at a high level in the government informed Prothom Alo of the matter.

According to diplomatic sources, a significant aspect of this visit will be a Chinese loan of USD 7 billion (USD 700 crore), equal to around 50.40 billion yuan (5,040 crore yuan). Of this, China will provide the equivalent USD 5 billion under trade assistance and the equivalent of USD 2 billion under budget assistance in local currency as credit to Bangladesh.

Also, just as decision has been taken for transactions in taka and rupees with India, a decision may also be taken for transactions in taka and yuan with China. An MoU to this end is being prepared.

Preparation is on so far for 11 instruments, including seven MoUs, to be signed during the prime minister's Beijing visit. Significant among these are China's Global Development Initiative (GDI), trade assistance, investment protection, digital economy, blue economy, announcement of free trade agreement study as well as construction and renovation of several friendship bridges.

Foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen told Prothom Alo priority will be attached to trade and economy during the prime minister's visit. Discussions will focus on addressing the existing trade imbalance and areas of assistance. Talks are on with China about trade assistance and budget assistance. This will possibly be finalised during the visit.

Visit before the visit​

Two weeks in advance of the prime minister's Beijing visit, China's Communist Party central committee's international department minister Liu Jianchao arrived in Dhaka on Saturday. During his four-day trip he is scheduled to meet prime minister Sheikh Hasina and foreign minister Hasan Mahmud. He will also meet with leaders of Awami League and other political parties.


Diplomatic sources say that the Dhaka visit of such an important leader of China's Communist Party before the prime minister's Beijing visit is significant. Relations between the two countries at a political level grew close particularly after 2016.
Liu Jianchao will apprise Dhaka of Beijing's views concerning the upcoming visit. He will also try to understand Bangladesh's views concerning the future of relations between the two countries, added the sources.

Main visit two days​

Diplomatic sources further say that prime minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit China from 8 to 11 July. However, the main agenda of the trip will be limited to 9 and 10 July.
On 9 July official talks will be held between the two prime ministers. On 10 July prime minister Sheikh Hasina will hold talks with the Chinese president Xi Jinping. The prime minister is also scheduled to meet with the president of the Chinese parliament National People's Congress of China, Zhou Lusi.

Large loans in Chinese currency​

Dhaka and Beijing diplomatic sources say, Bangladesh has sought credit assistance from several countries in order to tackle the dollar crunch and the diminishing foreign exchange reserves. China is on the list of these countries. A few months ago China expressed interest in providing loans in yuan. The country has already started international transactions in yuan with several countries.

Initially China wanted to provide a trade facilitation loan in local currency equivalent to around USD 5 billion. And Bangladesh wanted loan as budget assistance. Bangladesh reasoned that if the loan was taken as trade assistance, it would become a commercial loan. This may mean high interest and shorter repayment deadline. That could put pressure on the foreign debt situation. In consideration of the country's overall condition, low interest long term loans can be taken. That makes it more logical to use the loan as budget assistance rather than trade facilitation. Later discussions were held with China about budget assistance loans.

At the start of this month Bangladesh and Chinese officials discussed the credit issue. Finally China agreed to providing credit both as trade facilitation and budget assistance. This correspondent was told by several officials present at the talks in Beijing, that the loan may be given from China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and the state-owned EXIM Bank.

Tariff-free facilities even after 2026​

There is a huge trade deficit between Bangladesh and China. While China provides 98 per cent tariff-free facilities on Bangladesh products, Bangladesh's exports to that country has hardly increased. Last year Bangladesh exported products of around USD 700 million and imported goods of over USD 20 billion.

Foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen said that the 98 per cent tariff-free facilities that China provides for Bangladeshi goods hardly makes any difference. It was also proposed that even after 2026 the tariff-free facilities should remain in place.

Transactions in local currency​

Bangladesh's bilateral trade with China now exceeds USD 20 billion, almost all of which comprises imports by Bangladesh. Bangladesh has to spend huge amounts of dollars to import goods from China. The officials feel that if Bangladesh could use yuan for imports, this will be a big relief in this time of dollar crisis.
Foreign ministry officials have said that talks are on for trade transactions to be in taka-yuan as in the case of taka-rupee transactions with India. There are talks of an MoU to be signed in this regard between Bangladesh Bank and China's National Financial Regulatory Commission.

New projects​

China's president Xi Jinping visited Dhaka in September 2016. During this historic visit, it was decided to implement 27 projects. Of these, 15 have been completed, six are underway and there is consideration of replacing the remaining six with new projects.

It has been learnt that Bangladesh raised some new projects for China's consideration at the foreign secretary level meeting between the two countries at the beginning of this month. It was pointed out to China that much delay is made in scrutinising the projects for which the feasibility of the projects is harmed.

Geopolitical discussions relevant​

Bangladesh's prime minister is visiting Bangladesh at a time when much is happening at an international and regional level. After President Xi Jinping's Dhaka visit in 2016, ties between the two countries grew strong at a political level.

In this contest, according to diplomatic sources, it will be normal for the unstable situation in Rakhine, Myanmar, the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea, Taiwan and such issues to be raised in the discussions.
When their attention was drawn to talks at various levels between the two countries in recent times, several diplomats told this correspondent that China has raised the issues of the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), as well as about the US and its allies. Even after Bangladesh declared its Indo-Pacific Outlook before prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Japan visit last year, Bangladesh held talks with China. China was not too pleased with the joint declaration during that trip. Later Bangladesh explained the matter and assuaged China's unease.

Diplomatic analysts feel that China is at present under pressure due to the Taiwan situation. This issue will be raised. Bangladesh as always followed the 'One China' policy. Bangladesh wants China's support for its development efforts. And China wants to consolidate its position among the South Asian countries by contributing to the development process. So China is likely to raise the issues of India, Japan, the US and such like-minded countries during talks this time.

When asked about the issue, Bangladesh former ambassador to China Munshi Faiz told Prothom Alo, the matter of economic cooperation in continuity of the past will gain priority during prime minister's China visit. Alongside bilateral relations, the matter of relations with India and geopolitical issues may emerge in the talks.

He further said in this regard we must advance forward, taking the sensitivity of all parties concerned. In consideration of national interests in the light of greater geopolitics, Bangladesh needs to explain to China that it gives due importance to the sensitivities and views of all countries.


What does @Isa Khan think?

And @PutinBro, I guess you can officially change to @JinpingBro now.
 

Isa Khan

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Bangladesh and China on Wednesday signed 21 instruments including three renewed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and made announcement of seven more projects to elevate "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership" from "strategic partnership" between the two countries.

The instruments were inked in the presence of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Chinese counterpart Li Qiang after the delegation-level talks between the two countries at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing.

Earlier, the Bangladesh prime minister was accorded a red carpet reception as she reached the Great Hall of the People to have a bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart Li Qiang.

On her arrival at the premises of the Great Hall of the People, the prime minister was received by the Chinese prime minister.

The bilateral talks mainly featured Rohingya issue, business, trade and commerce, investments, bilateral relations alongside various regional and international matters.

After the delegation level meeting, the Bangladesh prime minister along with her Chinese counterpart witnessed the exchange of the documents.

The instruments on cooperation in the economic and banking sector, trade and investment, digital economy, infrastructure development, assistance in disaster management, construction of 6th and 9th Bangladesh-China friendship bridges, export of agricultural products from Bangladesh and people to people connectivity were signed.

The signed instruments are:

1. The MoU on Strengthening Investment Cooperation in the Digital Economy.

2. The MoU on Banking and Insurance Regulatory between China National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) and Bangladesh Bank.

3. A Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements Export of Fresh Mangoes from Bangladesh to China.

4. The MoU on Exchange and Cooperation in the field of Economic Development Policy.

5. The MoU on Trade and Investment Cooperation.

6. The MoU on Strengthening Digital Economy Cooperation.

7. Signing of Minutes of Discussions on the Feasibility Study of the China-aid National Emergency Operation Center in Bangladesh Project.

8. Exchange the Letter on the China-aid 6th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Renovation Project.

9. Exchange the Letters on the Feasibility Study of China-aid Construction of Nateshwar Archaeological Site Park in Bangladesh Project.

10. Exchange the Letters on the China-aid 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Project.

11. The MoU on Strengthening the Cooperation in Medical Care and Public Health.

12. The MoU on Strengthening the Infrastructure Cooperation.

13. The MoU on Cooperation on Green and Low-Carbon Development.

14. Renewing the MoU on Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu/ Brahmaputra River in Flood Season by China to Bangladesh.

4. The MoU on Exchange and Cooperation in the field of Economic Development Policy.

5. The MoU on Trade and Investment Cooperation.

6. The MoU on Strengthening Digital Economy Cooperation.

7. Signing of Minutes of Discussions on the Feasibility Study of the China-aid National Emergency Operation Center in Bangladesh Project.

8. Exchange the Letter on the China-aid 6th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Renovation Project.

9. Exchange the Letters on the Feasibility Study of China-aid Construction of Nateshwar Archaeological Site Park in Bangladesh Project.

10. Exchange the Letters on the China-aid 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Project.

11. The MoU on Strengthening the Cooperation in Medical Care and Public Health.

12. The MoU on Strengthening the Infrastructure Cooperation.

13. The MoU on Cooperation on Green and Low-Carbon Development.

14. Renewing the MoU on Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu/ Brahmaputra River in Flood Season by China to Bangladesh.

 

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China has decided to provide 100 percent duty-free access to products from Bangladesh, as well as other least developed countries (LDCs).

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed the decision when he called on Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Jashim Uddin at the foreign ministry yesterday.

"The Chinese ambassador said in the Sino-Africa summit in early September that China had decided to provide a 100 percent tariff line to LDCs, including Bangladesh," Jashim told reporters.

In 2022, China had granted duty-free access to 98 percent of Bangladeshi goods, including 383 new products, especially leather and leather goods.

In 2020, it was for 97 percent of Bangladeshi products.

China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner. It exported products to Bangladesh worth more than $18.6 billion in fiscal year 2022-23, while Bangladesh's exports to China were worth about $676 million.

Jashim added that China had been the source of most foreign direct investment after the formation of the interim government, which amounted to about $8 million.

"We are expecting an increase in our exports to China," he said, adding that the procedure to export mangoes from Bangladesh is almost complete.

"We can export mangoes to China from next year," the foreign secretary said, adding that Bangladesh was working with China to export other fruits like jackfruits and guavas.

In FY20, China imported $2.4 trillion worth of goods, of which Bangladeshi exports accounted for only 0.05 percent, highlighting the huge scope for trade that exists in the Chinese market.

In a paper, MA Razzaque, chairman of the Research and Policy Integration for Development, said Bangladesh could earn $25 billion in exports if it could grab only a one percent share of what China imports.

However, economists opine that Bangladesh will have to diversify its export basket, which is heavily reliant on the garment industry, in order to increase exports to China.

"We also discussed regional and multilateral issues. We also discussed supporting each other in international forums," Jashim said.

He added that Yao Wen had also offered to provide help in terms of flood management.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations, which was also discussed.

 

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A shipping line on the Chattogram-China maritime route has launched an operation with the anchorage of a Chinese goods-carrying vessel at Chittagong port on Monday.

The first ship on this route MV Kota Angun, carrying 552 containers from Port of Ningbo-Zhushan of China, anchored at Chattogram Port jetty -13 in the morning today, Chattogram Port Authority Assistant Terminal Manager (Control) Rajib Chowdhury confirmed.

A consortium of ships owned by multiple organisations has joined this service named China-Chittagong Express (CCE), Rajib said.

MV Kota Angoon sailed from the Port of Ningbo-Zhushan, one of the world's busiest seaports of China, on September 7 and reached Chattogram in nine days via Shanghai and Shekou.

Previously a goods-carrying mother vessel used to take 20 to 25 days to reach Chattogram Port from China as those vessels were travelling through Singapore, Malaysia or Colombo.

Syed Mohammad Arif, president of the Shipping Agent Association said, the new route would help improve our trade with China.

Bangladesh imports machineries and raw materials for garment manufacturing and export sector from China while Bangladesh’s export basket includes jute yarn, hide and processed hair, he said.

A lot of goods are imported from China to Bangladesh. So operating a direct ship on the China-Chattogram route may be quite potential, he observed.

 

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The Chinese medical team, invited by the government of Bangladesh has commended with the treatment provided to the injured from the recent mass uprising, said Dr. Shah Md Helal Uddin, additional secretary of the Planning Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

"The Chinese team, composed primarily of medical assessment specialists, will submit a full assessment report after discussions with experts and higher authorities," he said today (26 September) during a press conference.

He further said, "Based on the report from the Chinese medical team, we will take further measures. We are considering bringing in Chinese experts or sending patients abroad for advanced treatment if necessary."

The additional secretary emphasised the government's commitment, saying, "There will be no shortage of efforts from the Ministry of Health in ensuring proper treatment for all the injured."

The team has reviewed whether we are providing treatment according to international standards and they are very satisfied with our efforts, he added.

However, the team did highlight some gaps in equipment and capacity at local hospitals, which the Ministry of Health is now reviewing, said the additional secretary.

The Chinese medical team arrived in Bangladesh on 22 September and began work the following day, has visited five hospitals so far.

Over the past few days, they have examined 160 patients and reviewed the medical records of 105 individuals.


Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said his country wants to invest in solar panels manufacturing in Bangladesh and further deepen trade and economic ties with Bangladesh.

He made the announcement when he called on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on the sideline of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters on Wednesday afternoon (NY time).

"If Chinese investment comes to Bangladesh for solar panels manufacturing, it will be a milestone as it's a massive investment and will help create huge jobs," said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam after the meeting.

He said Bangladesh will make benefit out of that investment, and Bangladesh would be a major exporter of solar panels.

 

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