Chinese Exim Bank to assist in relocating manufacturing facilities to Bangladesh

China Exim Bank to Support Relocation of Manufacturing Plants to Bangladesh

Chairman of the China Export-Import Bank, Chen Huaiyu, announced today that the bank will support the relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, positioning the country as a key export platform for global markets.

The China Exim Bank, a major financier of Beijing-backed infrastructure and energy projects in Bangladesh, has for the first time expressed interest in facilitating investments from Chinese private manufacturers in the South Asian nation.

Chen Huaiyu made these remarks during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, China.

Prof. Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s strategic location and skilled workforce, highlighting its potential to become a global manufacturing hub. He invited leading Chinese manufacturers to set up their factories in Bangladesh, assuring them of attractive incentives and a dedicated trade corridor.

"Bangladesh can complement China in manufacturing," Prof. Yunus stated, adding that the Interim Government is expediting the construction of a Chinese Special Economic Zone in the Chattogram region.

He further noted that Bangladesh is expanding its port infrastructure, not only to boost its own economy but also to serve landlocked neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan, along with India’s northeastern states.

Chen Huaiyu recognized Bangladesh’s ideal location to serve markets in Southeast Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, and Western Asia. He reiterated the China Exim Bank’s commitment to supporting Chinese investments in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector and infrastructure development to foster sustainable economic growth.

Drawing comparisons with Vietnam’s success in attracting Chinese and Western manufacturers, Chen emphasized the need for Bangladesh to enhance its business environment to attract investors.

In response, Prof. Yunus affirmed, "We will learn from Vietnam."

During the discussions, Bangladeshi officials sought expedited disbursement of Exim Bank’s funding and support for new infrastructure projects, including the Dasherkandi Sewage Plant. They also requested a reduction in commitment fees to lower project costs.

Chen assured that the bank would consider these proposals and encouraged Bangladesh to explore more concessionary loans in RMB, the Chinese currency.

Officials from both nations are expected to reconvene soon to finalize key decisions made during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative of the Chief Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, and Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Ashiq Chowdhury.