Bangladesh is expected to seek deeper economic, strategic and development cooperation with China as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman prepares for a four-day state visit to Beijing from June 23 to 26, with discussions likely to focus on investment, concessional financing, infrastructure, trade, energy security and regional stability.
Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Beijing said the visit, the Prime Minister’s first state visit to China since assuming office in February 2026, is expected to signal a renewed push to strengthen bilateral ties at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and economic challenges.
Officials familiar with the preparations said Bangladesh will seek greater Chinese participation in priority sectors, including renewable energy, the long-delayed Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram, the Teesta Barrage project, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, and industrial investment aimed at boosting exports and employment.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is also expected to discuss regional security issues, including the Rohingya refugee crisis and the continuing civil conflict in Myanmar, while exploring avenues for enhanced political, economic and cultural cooperation with Chinese leaders.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials. The Bangladeshi delegation is expected to include Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmood Chowdhury, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.
According to diplomatic sources, Dhaka hopes to secure increased Chinese investment and soft loans as Bangladesh seeks to sustain growth amid global economic uncertainty, high energy prices and tighter financing conditions.
Several former Bangladeshi diplomats who served in China said the current international environment provides an opportunity for Dhaka to negotiate favourable financing packages, particularly concessional loans for infrastructure and climate-resilient development projects.
China has emerged as one of Bangladesh's key development partners over the past decade. Chinese financing has supported major projects such as the Padma Bridge Rail Link, the Karnaphuli River Tunnel and several power generation and information technology initiatives.
Data from Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division (ERD) show that Chinese loan disbursements increased significantly following President Xi Jinping's 2016 visit to Bangladesh. Between 2019 and 2023 alone, China disbursed nearly $3 billion, accounting for roughly 40 percent of its cumulative lending to the country.
ERD figures indicate that China committed more than $10 billion in foreign assistance between fiscal years 1999-2000 and 2023-24, disbursing over $6.5 billion during that period. However, multilateral lenders such as Japan, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank continue to rank ahead of China in overall loan disbursements.
Economic analysts note that while Chinese financing has helped bridge Bangladesh's infrastructure gap, the repayment terms require careful evaluation. Loans often carry shorter repayment periods than those offered by multilateral institutions, resulting in comparatively higher annual repayment obligations.
Former World Bank lead economist Zahid Hussain has argued that financing denominated in Chinese yuan could ease pressure on Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves, provided borrowing conditions remain favourable and commercially viable.
Trade is also expected to feature prominently during the discussions. China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner, but the relationship remains heavily imbalanced.
Official data show Bangladesh imported goods worth more than $18 billion from China in fiscal year 2024-25 while exporting only about $743 million, leaving a trade gap exceeding $17 billion. Dhaka is expected to encourage greater Chinese investment in export-oriented manufacturing and seek improved market access for Bangladeshi products.
The proposed China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement is also likely to receive attention during the visit. Chinese officials have previously argued that such an agreement could reduce tariff barriers, lower production costs for Bangladeshi industries and encourage new investment while supporting export diversification.
Bangladesh is also expected to press for faster implementation of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara, Chattogram. Planned on approximately 783 acres under a government-to-government arrangement, the project has faced repeated delays for nearly a decade because of unresolved development agreements.
Officials involved with the project hope negotiations with China Road and Bridge Corporation, currently designated as the developer, will help move the initiative into full implementation.
The Belt and Road Initiative remains another important pillar of bilateral cooperation. Bangladesh joined the initiative in 2016, paving the way for collaboration on transport, energy and connectivity projects.
Han Kun, President of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh, recently said future BRI cooperation would place greater emphasis on sustainability, joint financing and stronger private-sector participation rather than relying solely on government funding.
Regional security concerns are also expected to shape the agenda. Bangladesh continues to host around 1.1 million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in Myanmar, placing considerable pressure on public resources and local communities.
Officials said Dhaka hopes Beijing will play a more active diplomatic role in supporting conditions for the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas while contributing to broader efforts aimed at restoring stability in Myanmar.
Despite expanding ties with China, senior government officials maintain that Bangladesh will continue pursuing a balanced foreign policy by maintaining constructive relations with China, India and the United States based on national interests.
Analysts say the Prime Minister's Beijing visit comes at a strategically significant moment as shifting global dynamics, regional conflicts and evolving economic priorities reshape international partnerships across Asia.
If successful, the visit could pave the way for fresh investments, expanded infrastructure cooperation and stronger diplomatic engagement, reinforcing Bangladesh's efforts to accelerate economic development and diversify its international partnerships while navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
