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Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that Bangladesh’s trade has become heavily dependent on China, describing Beijing as a crucial strategic partner for the country’s economic future.
Speaking as a special guest at an event organized by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association (BCFA) at the Padma Hall of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Saturday, the minister said that today’s national, regional, and global political dynamics are largely driven by economic considerations. He noted that China has emerged as one of the world’s most significant economic centers and sources of growth.
“For that reason, our economy—particularly our trade—has become heavily dependent on China,” Swapan said. “This creates both an economic necessity and a sincere desire to strengthen our friendship with China. If countries like Bangladesh are to move forward, we must accelerate our economic growth.”
He added that BNP leader Tarique Rahman had repeatedly emphasized the need to strengthen the country’s economic momentum even before assuming power, saying China could become Bangladesh’s most important strategic partner because of its economic capacity.
The minister also highlighted China’s role as Bangladesh’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) stock. However, he acknowledged the significant trade imbalance between the two countries.
“Our bilateral trade with China is worth nearly US$20 billion, but almost all of it consists of imports from China. Bangladesh exports less than US$1 billion worth of goods to the Chinese market,” he said.
Swapan noted that the Chinese government has shown strong interest in expanding imports from Bangladesh, describing this as the most important strategic element of the bilateral relationship.
“Regardless of how others view our ties with China, China’s willingness to increase imports from Bangladesh and our need to expand exports represent the strategic foundation and mutual interest that bind our two countries together,” he said.
The event was attended by Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the chief guest. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen was also present as a special guest.
Other attendees included State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat, MPs Shimul Biswas and Sanzida Islam Tuli, among others.
The program was chaired by Advocate Nazmul Haque Nannu, President of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association and Adviser to the BNP Chairperson.
The event brought together diplomats, business leaders, politicians, and distinguished guests to discuss ways to further strengthen Bangladesh-China cooperation in trade, investment, and people-to-people relations.