Bangladesh is experiencing a marked surge in the presence of Chinese professionals, whose expertise and technology are transforming key sectors of the economy – from manufacturing and infrastructure to energy and information technology. 

Around 60,000 Chinese citizens are currently working across the country, many as consultants, engineers, project managers, technicians and skilled workers, according to government and industry sources.

Business leaders and academics alike say this growing Chinese footprint is accelerating Bangladesh’s progress through knowledge and technology transfer. 

At the same time, they are calling for more investment in infrastructure, transport, logistics, agriculture and ICT to create jobs for Bangladeshi nationals and deepen development ties.

According to a Social Responsibility Report by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, approximately 1,000 Chinese companies are operating in Bangladesh, together generating some 550,000 local jobs. 

Sources estimate that of the 60,000 Chinese citizens based in Bangladesh, around 50,000 are employees of these firms, while the remaining 10,000 are linked to other enterprises or assignments.

Technology transfer seen as key

KhorshedAlam, former acting president of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI), told the Daily Sun that the chamber currently has 700 members, of whom 500 are Chinese. 
In addition, 150 belong to the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB).

“So, around 1,000 Chinese businesses and several thousand professionals are in Bangladesh. The Chinese people help to transfer knowledge and technology, which is better for our development,” he said.

Khorshed, also a director of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), stressed that Bangladesh’s manufacturing industries face an ongoing energy crisis that could be alleviated by Chinese technology. 

“Besides, China’s advanced technology in the IT sector, transport, and agriculture can help us progress. We can work here,” he added.

The case for greater local involvement

Dr Md Rakibul Hoque, Chairman of the Department of Management Information Systems at Dhaka University, observed that while many Chinese professionals are working across different sectors, few Bangladeshis are appointed to Chinese-led projects or firms because of language barriers.

“I think Chinese companies should train up Bangladeshi people and appoint them in their companies and projects. Basically, we need to increase exchanges with China to get more opportunities,” he told Daily Sun.

Rakibul Hoque, who completed his PhD in China between 2013 and 2016, noted the country’s dramatic advances in infrastructure, communications, education and technology. 

“We should work on technology transformation, medical and tourism as well as the manufacturing sector,” he said.

He also highlighted the trade imbalance: total bilateral trade reached $17.35 billion in FY2024, with Bangladesh exporting $715.38 million to China while importing $16.64 billion. “Chinese businesses and professionals should consider that and appoint more Bangladeshis in their projects,” he remarked.

Rakibul Hoque pointed out that Dhaka University offers free Chinese language instruction, a programme that has been running for several years. 

However, he stressed that more timely data disclosure by the Chinese Embassy and BCCCI, along with seminars and symposiums at universities, would further strengthen ties.

Speed, skills and standards

Dr Mohammad Omar Farooq, Professor and Head of Economics at United International University, said Bangladesh has seen a growing presence of Chinese professionals in recent years, reflecting both the Belt and Road Initiative and Bangladesh’s pressing need for investment, expertise and technology transfer.

“Their involvement reflects both the Belt and Road partnership and Bangladesh’s own urgent need for investment, expertise, and technology transfer. The benefits are easy to notice. Many of these professionals bring technical knowledge and practical skills that Bangladesh still lacks in sufficient numbers,” he stated.

“As a result, projects like bridges, highways, power plants, and factories are often completed more quickly and efficiently. They also introduce modern equipment and work practices that raise local standards. For Bangladeshi professionals, working alongside Chinese teams offers a chance to observe, learn, and build capacity over time,” he said.

Balancing benefits with local capacity

However, DrFarooq cautioned that the partnership also presents challenges. “Local engineers and workers often find themselves sidelined, with limited opportunities to take leadership roles. Knowledge transfer – arguably the most valuable part of such partnerships –  is not always structured or prioritised. This leaves Bangladesh vulnerable to long-term dependency on external expertise,” he said.

He added that cultural differences sometimes strain workplace communication and that hiring large numbers of foreign workers can limit job prospects for locals.

“The role of Chinese professionals in Bangladesh is both strength and test,” he concluded. 

“They help us build faster and aim higher. But we must also ensure that their presence translates into real investment in our people, so that in the future we rely less on outsiders and more on our own capabilities.”

Rafikul Islam is a journalist with the Daily Sun. He can be reached at: [email protected]