Bangladesh PM Rahman Seeks $500 Million China Zone Boost on First Overseas Trip
Updated
Updated · CGTN · Jun 25
Bangladesh PM Rahman Seeks $500 Million China Zone Boost on First Overseas Trip
3 articles · Updated · CGTN · Jun 25
Summary
Tarique Rahman arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a visit through June 26, making his first overseas trip as prime minister and putting Chinese investment at the center of the agenda.
Around a dozen memorandums are expected to be signed on green energy, electric vehicles, port modernization and industrial parks, broadening cooperation beyond traditional trade and infrastructure.
A Chittagong Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone project approved ahead of the trip is expected to attract more than $500 million in initial foreign investment and create about 100,000 jobs.
China has been Bangladesh's largest trading partner for 16 straight years, while zero-tariff treatment on 100% of Bangladeshi tariff lines since December 2024 has further opened the Chinese market.
The visit follows Rahman's talks with Premier Li Qiang in Beijing and could also bring Bangladesh into China's Global Development Initiative, deepening ties after relations were upgraded in 2024.