In an exclusive interview, Han Kun, president of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh, said Bangladesh can become a global export hub by leveraging Chinese investment, technology and industrial capacity, especially in infrastructure, power, ready-made garments and manufacturing. He pointed out that private investment has added about 8,000 megawatts recently, with roughly fifty four percent coming from Chinese firms, and that power generation capacity now stands near twenty seven to twenty eight gigawatts, which helps factories run more steadily. Han said Chinese companies have quietly supported major projects and helped lower development costs, and he urged faster moves to align trade rules so more manufacturing can shift to Bangladesh and serve global buyers. He highlighted a proposed free trade agreement with China as a key step to make inputs, equipment and semi finished goods cheaper and easier to bring in for local factories to add value and export more. About two hundred and fifty Chinese firms work through the association in sectors such as infrastructure, textiles, trading and logistics, and many already employ large numbers of Bangladeshi workers and share some technology and skills. To make Bangladesh a reliable export base, Han said the country needs steady policies, clear approvals and stronger logistics so projects do not stall and investors do not lose large preparation costs. He stressed access to low cost raw materials, stable tariff rules, and better supply chain links so exporters can meet overseas standards and ship on time and in good condition. Han also said the Chinese business community is ready to invest in new energy, the digital economy, logistics and manufacturing, and to form joint ventures that focus on making goods for foreign markets. While Bangladesh imports much machinery and parts from China, its exports to China remain modest and the country has not fully used duty free and quota free chances because its export base is still narrow. He advised businesses and policy makers to widen the range of products, improve quality control and build more processing and cold chain facilities so the country can earn more from trade. Chinese investment has helped stabilize electricity supply in ways that support industrial growth, and Han said more targeted investments could lift productivity and create jobs across coastal and industrial regions. He also warned that sudden policy changes scare investors and that careful, predictable rules would encourage longer term projects that bring technology transfer and steady work for local people. Overall, Han was hopeful and practical, saying that with clear rules, better logistics and deeper partnerships, Bangladesh could use its low cost labor, strategic location and growing infrastructure to grow into a stronger export and manufacturing centre that benefits workers, firms and the wider economy together.
