Print: 02 Nov 2025
China’s vast consumer base and thriving economy offer new opportunities for Bangladeshi exports, but experts emphasise that state-level negotiations, product diversification, and a focus on Geographical Indication (GI) items are crucial if Bangladesh is to fully reap the benefits.
Economists and business leaders argue both governments must work together to reduce the trade deficit and strengthen investment ties.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Bangladesh Bank, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and China reached US$17.35 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Of this, Bangladesh exported $715.38 million worth of goods, while imports from China stood at $16.64 billion.
Currently, Bangladesh exports mainly T-shirts, trousers, jute yarn, sesame seeds, and aluminium scrap. Businesses see potential for seafood, IT outsourcing, blue economy products, mangoes, jute, leather, and other GI-certified goods.
State-level negotiations key
Speaking to Daily Sun, Dr Mohammad Omar Farooq, head of economics at United International University, said, “China is a vast market where Bangladesh can achieve much more if we address both external and internal factors. Our RMG, leather, and jute sectors are well-placed to benefit from China’s growing middle class and demand for diverse imports. Ready-made garments, though modest compared to the West, can tap into China’s fast-fashion industry and online retail platforms.”
“Leather products hold strong potential as China reduces domestic tanning due to environmental concerns, while our golden fibre, jute, fits perfectly with China’s eco-friendly initiatives. Yet challenges remain. Tariffs, strict standards, weak branding, and distribution gaps hold us back externally, while governance, transparency, and political stability must improve at home.”
He emphasised that preferential trade terms, stronger certification, better logistics, design innovation, and partnerships with Chinese firms could help Bangladesh establish a lasting presence.
Mohammed Sohel, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), noted Bangladesh only exports basic garments like T-shirts and trousers.
“A potential was created in China’s mid- and lower-income communities before the US tariff announcement. But now, China is looking elsewhere after losing the US market, so the opportunity has shrunk,” he said.
He added, “China is highly advanced in automation and quality. We cannot capture the market unless its government supports us. With such a large trade deficit, only state-level negotiations can help us enter the market properly. China already provides duty-free access for 98%of Bangladeshi goods, but we have failed to take advantage. Policy support is vital.”
Khorshed Alam, former acting president of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI), also highlighted China’s consumer power, saying, “China dominates most global markets by manufacturing almost everything. Bangladesh imports from raw materials to finished products from China. We need more Chinese support to deepen relations.”
Khorshed, also a director at the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), urged Chinese investors to consider Bangladesh’s technology sector to meet growing industrial needs.
Call for wider investment
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed said Chinese investment should move beyond garments and infrastructure.
“We invite Chinese companies to expand into agribusiness, food processing, ICT, renewable energy, automobiles, light engineering, footwear, logistics, medical equipment, API, semiconductors, healthcare, and shipbuilding,” he said.
He also stressed the need for better promotion of jute products, saying, “Joint ventures in this sector could create strong local brands for global markets.”
Free trade agreement critical
Al Mamun Mridha, former secretary general of BCCCI, cautioned that entering China remains difficult without competitive pricing and quality.
“Bangladesh can export seafood, IT outsourcing, blue economy products, mangoes, raw leather, and other GI goods to China. But government support, policy consistency, and a hassle-free business environment are essential,” he said.
Criticising the lack of progress on a free trade agreement (FTA), he said, “We have been talking about an FTA with China for three years, but apart from a feasibility study, there’s nothing. Only a formal agreement can help Bangladesh capture the Chinese market.”
Executive Director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development, Mustafa Kamal Mujeri, said, “China is far ahead in trade with Bangladesh. We must adopt an active and prudent policy to benefit once the FTA is signed.”
The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]
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Exporting to China: Huge potential, largely untapped
Experts call for state level negotiation, dynamic strategy, and diversified products
China’s vast consumer base and thriving economy offer new opportunities for Bangladeshi exports, but experts emphasise that state-level negotiations, product diversification, and a focus on Geographical Indication (GI) items are crucial if Bangladesh is to fully reap the benefits.
Economists and business leaders argue both governments must work together to reduce the trade deficit and strengthen investment ties.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Bangladesh Bank, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and China reached US$17.35 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Of this, Bangladesh exported $715.38 million worth of goods, while imports from China stood at $16.64 billion.
Currently, Bangladesh exports mainly T-shirts, trousers, jute yarn, sesame seeds, and aluminium scrap. Businesses see potential for seafood, IT outsourcing, blue economy products, mangoes, jute, leather, and other GI-certified goods.
State-level negotiations key
Speaking to Daily Sun, Dr Mohammad Omar Farooq, head of economics at United International University, said, “China is a vast market where Bangladesh can achieve much more if we address both external and internal factors. Our RMG, leather, and jute sectors are well-placed to benefit from China’s growing middle class and demand for diverse imports. Ready-made garments, though modest compared to the West, can tap into China’s fast-fashion industry and online retail platforms.”
“Leather products hold strong potential as China reduces domestic tanning due to environmental concerns, while our golden fibre, jute, fits perfectly with China’s eco-friendly initiatives. Yet challenges remain. Tariffs, strict standards, weak branding, and distribution gaps hold us back externally, while governance, transparency, and political stability must improve at home.”
He emphasised that preferential trade terms, stronger certification, better logistics, design innovation, and partnerships with Chinese firms could help Bangladesh establish a lasting presence.
Mohammed Sohel, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), noted Bangladesh only exports basic garments like T-shirts and trousers.
“A potential was created in China’s mid- and lower-income communities before the US tariff announcement. But now, China is looking elsewhere after losing the US market, so the opportunity has shrunk,” he said.
He added, “China is highly advanced in automation and quality. We cannot capture the market unless its government supports us. With such a large trade deficit, only state-level negotiations can help us enter the market properly. China already provides duty-free access for 98%of Bangladeshi goods, but we have failed to take advantage. Policy support is vital.”
Khorshed Alam, former acting president of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI), also highlighted China’s consumer power, saying, “China dominates most global markets by manufacturing almost everything. Bangladesh imports from raw materials to finished products from China. We need more Chinese support to deepen relations.”
Khorshed, also a director at the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), urged Chinese investors to consider Bangladesh’s technology sector to meet growing industrial needs.
Call for wider investment
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed said Chinese investment should move beyond garments and infrastructure.
“We invite Chinese companies to expand into agribusiness, food processing, ICT, renewable energy, automobiles, light engineering, footwear, logistics, medical equipment, API, semiconductors, healthcare, and shipbuilding,” he said.
He also stressed the need for better promotion of jute products, saying, “Joint ventures in this sector could create strong local brands for global markets.”
Free trade agreement critical
Al Mamun Mridha, former secretary general of BCCCI, cautioned that entering China remains difficult without competitive pricing and quality.
“Bangladesh can export seafood, IT outsourcing, blue economy products, mangoes, raw leather, and other GI goods to China. But government support, policy consistency, and a hassle-free business environment are essential,” he said.
Criticising the lack of progress on a free trade agreement (FTA), he said, “We have been talking about an FTA with China for three years, but apart from a feasibility study, there’s nothing. Only a formal agreement can help Bangladesh capture the Chinese market.”
Executive Director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development, Mustafa Kamal Mujeri, said, “China is far ahead in trade with Bangladesh. We must adopt an active and prudent policy to benefit once the FTA is signed.”
The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]