Chinese investors are showing strong interest in Bangladesh’s manufacturing, infrastructure and power sectors, CEAB President Han Kun said in a wide-ranging interview, signaling a fresh wave of opportunity for local industry. The Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh represents about 250 Chinese companies working across power generation, infrastructure construction, telecommunications, manufacturing and services and it helps build links and trust between business communities so newcomers can make good decisions. Han said Chinese firms see clear potential because Bangladesh has improved governance and public sector responsiveness, with officials increasingly available and professional, but he also warned that procedural delays and uneven coordination among agencies can discourage new entrants who often rely on peer experiences. He praised steady improvements, offering an example of how government offices now operate more consistently during holidays, and he urged further work on transparency and quicker processing to strengthen investor confidence. Han highlighted that Bangladesh’s large, young population and rising education levels give it an edge for building a strong manufacturing base, and he recommended greater investment in vocational and technical training so graduates are ready for factory and production work. Drawing lessons from Vietnam, he noted how foreign companies helped that country’s growth but also stressed that Bangladesh should aim for joint ventures and partnerships that grow local firms rather than only hosting foreign exporters. The CEAB chief said policy stability and long term planning are key, calling for consistent rules so investors know what to expect and can make steady plans. He pointed to China’s own experience of using global challenges as a push for reform, and he encouraged Bangladesh to continue reforms that open the door to new technologies and higher quality investment. Over the years China has become a major partner on development projects and trade, and bilateral ties now support a wide range of projects that have helped improve infrastructure. Han also said many Chinese firms already here remain profitable and keep expanding, but mixed peer feedback can deter newcomers. He said bilateral trade now tops twenty five billion US dollars a year and regional projects have helped build roads, bridges and power links. He urged investors to focus on joint ventures, local hiring and technology transfer so Bangladeshi firms gain skills and move up the value chain. These steps will help the manufacturing base stay resilient if global trade patterns shift and create good jobs for local communities.
