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Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and China reached a record 12.8 billion US dollars in the first half of 2026, marking a 10.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This information was provided by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.
In a statement issued on Thursday (October 1) to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the embassy highlighted various aspects of cooperation between the two nations across trade, investment, infrastructure, and healthcare.
The statement noted that China has remained Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, from 2010 to 2025. Various Bangladeshi agricultural products, including fresh mangoes and jackfruits, have already gained market access in China. Efforts are also underway to secure market entry for guavas and fragrant rice.
It was further stated that both countries are implementing a joint action plan aimed at enhancing Bangladesh’s export capacity and further improving the structure of bilateral trade.
Chinese Investment on the Rise
According to embassy data, China’s cumulative investment in Bangladesh reached approximately 3.6 billion dollars by June 2026. In 2025, China’s direct investment in Bangladesh surged by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year.
The statement further added that since the formation of the new government, five Chinese-invested enterprises have collectively invested over 100 million dollars in Bangladesh, creating approximately 20,000 jobs.
In July 2026, the ‘China Economic and Industrial Zone’ was officially inaugurated in Chattogram. The zone has already attracted investment interest totaling 500 million dollars, prioritizing industries such as textiles and ready-made garments, machinery manufacturing, electronics and information technology, biomedicine, and green energy.
Cooperation in Infrastructure and Energy Sectors
The Chinese Embassy highlighted the Padma Bridge as a prime example of cooperation in the infrastructure sector. The statement mentioned that this bridge, constructed by a Chinese company, has significantly improved connectivity between Dhaka and 21 districts in the southwestern region. It is anticipated that the bridge will contribute 1.23 percentage points to the country’s annual GDP growth and reduce the poverty rate by 0.84 percent.
Chinese companies have also implemented various coal, solar, and wind power-based projects, with a combined generation capacity exceeding 1,000 megawatts.
Furthermore, with Chinese assistance, construction is ongoing for several projects, including a burn unit at Chattogram Medical College Hospital and the renovation of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge-6. Progress is also being made on the construction of a general hospital, a women’s residential hall at Dhaka University, Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge-9, and an emergency management center.
Healthcare and Humanitarian Assistance
The Chinese Embassy reported that in recent years, China has provided over 4 million dollars in healthcare and humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh. This aid includes Dengue and COVID-19 diagnostic kits, medicines, ventilators for burn treatment, robotic rehabilitation equipment, and flood relief supplies.
Additionally, China is supporting the construction of a 1,000-bed general hospital and the establishment of a burn unit at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.
According to the embassy, these initiatives underscore China’s support for Bangladesh during times of need and its commitment to contributing to the health and welfare of the nation’s people.