China Sends Largest-Ever Business Delegation To Bangladesh To Deepen Strategic Ties
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China pitches trade and connectivity as part of a broader strategic effort to expand influence in Bangladesh amid shifting regional alignments.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a two-day visit, leading a large delegation of over 100 Chinese companies to explore trade and investment opportunities in Bangladesh, the Dhaka Tribune said in a report.
Wang is scheduled to attend the Bangladesh-China Conference on Investment and Trade on Sunday alongside Bangladeshi Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who will inaugurate the event. The Chinese minister will be present as a special guest.
According to Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, this is the largest-ever Chinese business delegation to visit Bangladesh. Around 250 delegates representing various sectors and chambers of commerce are attending the conference, which has been jointly organised by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).
The conference aims to deepen what both sides call a 'Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership," with a focus on increasing Chinese investments in Bangladeshi infrastructure, manufacturing, and logistics.
However, Prof Yunus, who is hosting the event, sparked a diplomatic stir recently after suggesting that Bangladesh could allow China access to India's northeastern states through its territory. The comment was widely criticised in India and triggered concerns over Dhaka's alignment with Beijing's regional ambitions.
Despite the controversy, Dhaka has insisted that its trade ties with Beijing are focused on economic development and infrastructure building, and not at the expense of its neighbours. India, which shares deep economic and historical ties with Bangladesh, has invested heavily in connectivity and energy projects in the country.
Wang's visit also comes at a time when Bangladesh's foreign policy appears to be recalibrating following Sheikh Hasina's ouster. In recent months, Dhaka has taken visible steps to revive ties with Pakistan. This includes diplomatic outreach, softened rhetoric on past conflicts and increased engagement through multilateral forums where Pakistan and China often align.
Wang's visit comes just weeks after a Chinese delegation participated in a similar investment summit in Dhaka, underscoring Beijing's growing interest in anchoring its economic presence in South Asia.
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