Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday invited Chinese companies to extend their manufacturing value chains into Bangladesh and co-author what he described as the next great Asian economic miracle, pledging full government support and investor-friendly business environment.

Addressing the Bangladesh Investment Forum in Beijing, the Prime Minister also announced that Bangladesh will soon establish its first “Investment Office” in China to provide direct support for prospective Chinese investors and facilitate faster investment decisions.

"We are inviting Chinese companies to extend their value chain into Bangladesh. We can help Chinese companies serve global markets while benefitting from growing large domestic demand," he said, describing the prospect as a "complementary, practical and win-win relationship."

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) organised the event at the State Guest House Diaoyutai to showcase investment opportunities and attract greater Chinese investment to Bangladesh.

At the event, BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury made a special presentation highlighting investment opportunities and incentives available in Bangladesh.

Chinese business leaders, industrialists, and institutional investors took part in the programme – total around 125.

Tarique Rahman said China is moving up the global value chain and Chinese companies are becoming leaders in advanced manufacturing, high-value infrastructure, and clean energy.

“As China moves up the ladder, parts of the manufacturing ecosystem will look for new, competitive and trusted locations. Bangladesh can be one of those locations,” he said.

Speaking before Chinese entrepreneurs, the Prime Minister described Bangladesh and China as partners whose relationship has evolved from diplomacy to development, from development to trade, and now moves from trade to deeper industrial partnership.

He said Bangladesh is undergoing a "monumental economic and governance transformation" and is ready to become a trusted and competitive hub for Chinese businesses looking to expand globally.

"We are at a critical point of our journey, and I can clearly say that Bangladesh is open for business, ready for the future, and keen to work with China, one of our long-standing and trusted friends,” Tarique Rahman said, adding that words must be matched by structural actions. 

He said his government has launched a rigorous 180-day Action Plan aimed at overhauling institutions dealing with international investment and removing long-standing bureaucratic obstacles.

Under the initiative, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh is improving policy continuity, reducing overlapping regulatory procedures and digitising government services to ensure greater transparency, predictability and efficiency for investors.

He assured foreign investors of non-discriminatory treatment, the repatriation of capital and dividends in accordance with existing laws and regulations, and strong legal protections.

As part of efforts to attract more Chinese investment, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is developing dedicated industrial facilities, including the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara (Chattogram) and a second economic zone in Mongla (Bagerhat).

“We are also working with China to upgrade our bilateral investment treaty so that investors can have stronger confidence, clearer protection and a more modern framework for investment,” he said.

Investment Office in China

“Today, I am also happy to announce that we will soon be opening our first 'Investment Office' in China. Our objective is simple. Chinese investors should not have to wait until they arrive in Bangladesh to receive support,” said the Prime Minister.

Addressing the Chinese investors, he said, “We want to be closer to you, speak to you more regularly and help you move faster from interest to decision.”

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is working hard to improve its broader investment ecosystem. The government is about to start a new licensing approval process which will allow new businesses to start operations in Bangladesh in less than 15 days, he said.

In the proposed national budget, his government announced sector-specific incentives and policy benefits for its priority sectors across renewable energy, pharma and healthcare, electronics, digital infrastructure, agro-processing and advanced textiles, he mentioned.

“Bangladesh is inviting you to co-author the next great Asian economic miracle. Many Chinese investors are already operating in Bangladesh. They can speak about our people, our resilience and our potential. They can tell you that, Bangladesh can deliver,” the Prime Minister said.

He invited more Chinese companies to come and see Bangladesh with fresh eyes. “My government issues an unwavering commitment to you: your investments will be valued, your concerns will be heard, and your growth will be supported through a more responsive investment ecosystem,” he said.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister’s advisers Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Humaiun Kobir and Mahdi Amin, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were present.