China keen to boost investment in Bangladesh development projects

China has expressed interest in increasing investment in new development projects in Bangladesh while continuing support for ongoing initiatives, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said today (9 March).

During a meeting with Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury at the Secretariat in Dhaka, the envoy also conveyed China’s interest in the construction of the Teesta embankment project.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Yao Wen said China remains one of Bangladesh’s key development partners and will continue its cooperation in the country’s economic development.

He said China is particularly interested in investing in projects that create employment opportunities in Bangladesh.

The ambassador said he and the minister had positive discussions on finance and trade, including how cooperation between China and Bangladesh can be further advanced through new investments.

He added that the Teesta project was also discussed, as it is a priority project for both the new government of Bangladesh and China. Work on it will begin very soon, he said.

The two countries would also work together to address energy-related challenges.

Yao Wen further said discussions were held on new loans as well.

Providing an update on recent investment interest, the ambassador said at least four Chinese companies have pledged investments worth $100 million in Bangladesh in the three weeks since the formation of the new government.

Saying these investments are expected to create around 10,000 jobs, he stressed that investment is happening and it will increase further in the future.