Chinese investors eye opportunities in Bangladesh's renewable energy sector
The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for diversified investment in Bangladesh
Chinese investors have expressed keen interest in expanding investment in several sectors in Bangladesh, with renewable energy highlighted as a major focus area.
The interest was shared during a meeting today (11 December) between a delegation of Chinese investors and leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at the association's office in Uttara, according to a BGMEA press release.
The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for diversified investment in Bangladesh.
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Discussions centred on enhancing trade and investment ties between the two countries, with particular emphasis on strengthening Bangladesh's backward linkage capacity in man-made fibre (MMF), high-value fabrics, chemicals and technology-intensive sectors.
BGMEA leaders underscored the industry's ongoing efforts to upgrade machinery, adopt modern production technologies and diversify apparel offerings to enhance export competitiveness.
The meeting was led by BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, while the Chinese side was headed by Frank Yi, chairman of BETTEX Industries Ltd, a global fashion supply-chain partner.
BGMEA Vice President Md Shehab Udduza Chowdhury and Directors Faisal Samad, Md Hasib Uddin, Rumana Rashid and Mohammad Sohel were also present.
According to the press release, the Chinese delegation included representatives from textile and fibre industries, IT and artificial intelligence, supply-chain technology, advanced manufacturing, education and technical research, alongside legal consultancy and dispute resolution firms.
Speaking at the meeting, BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan urged Chinese investors to consider joint ventures in MMF-based textiles, chemicals and renewable energy, noting that such initiatives would help reduce production costs, improve competitiveness and shorten lead times.
He also sought Chinese collaboration in AI-powered manufacturing systems, integrated supply-chain solutions, 3D photo profiling and digital product passport technologies to help the industry navigate post-LDC graduation challenges.
BGMEA Director Faisal Samad stressed the importance of closer communication between the business communities of both countries.
He proposed organising an intensive coordination meeting between BGMEA and Chinese businesses in January, facilitated by BETTEX Industries Ltd.
He further recommended signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) for academic and research collaboration.
Samad also pointed out that as Bangladesh imports a significant volume of fabrics from China, commercial disputes occasionally arise.
He suggested that Chinese law firms could offer efficient platforms for dispute resolution, benefiting businesses on both sides.
The Chinese delegation expressed strong interest in investing in renewable energy and other emerging sectors in Bangladesh. They also invited BGMEA leaders to visit major fabric manufacturing hubs in China and agreed to hold a follow-up meeting in January.
The delegation included senior representatives such as Yi Shanwei and Yi Ran of Weihai Bettex, Luo Fei of Beijing Mofeng Technology, Gao Bin of Nanjing Zhiyi Network Technology, Shen Hanxin of Fast Powder, Luan Rundong of Changzhou Jinhe Investment and Quan Shouli of Suzhou Youwo Rui New Materials Technology.
Education and legal sectors were represented by Wu Jie of CKGSB and Cheng Tingting of Jiangsu Manxiu Law Firm.
The visiting members expressed optimism about expanding investments in Bangladesh's garment, textile, IT infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing and technical education sectors.
