Chinese state investment body signs MoU with BIDA to boost Bangladesh investment drive

Bangladesh has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China's largest state-backed investment promotion agency, a move officials say is expected to strengthen long-term Chinese investment in the country.

The agreement was signed between the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) during the Invest Bangladesh forum in Beijing, according to a Facebook post by Nahian Rahman Rochi, a member of BIDA.

Rochi described the MoU as one of the forum's most significant outcomes, noting that the agreement was signed by the chairman of CCPIT, a cabinet-ranking minister in China, who also addressed the event.

He said the partnership is expected to encourage greater Chinese investment in Bangladesh, as businesses in China often prefer entering overseas markets under state-backed or government-to-government frameworks.

"Rather than relying only on individual outreach events, we're now using these forums almost as leverage to drive long-term, conversion-linked outcomes," Rochi wrote.

According to him, the Beijing forum was designed as a targeted investment engagement, with 80 of the 100 participants representing leading Chinese companies. Many of them had previously expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh but had yet to finalise projects.

The programme also featured a fireside discussion with two existing Chinese investors, who answered questions from prospective investors about doing business in Bangladesh.

To better engage the Chinese business community, BIDA conducted all event communications in Mandarin, including promotional materials, brochures, presentations and newsletters. The authority also launched a Mandarin-language version of its website during the forum.

Rochi said the introduction of Mandarin-language services significantly increased interest among Chinese businesses.

He added that BIDA is working to build a world-class investment promotion structure in line with international standards to attract more foreign investment.