A discussion between DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed and Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen at the Embassy of China in Dhaka today. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 08, 2025 (BSS) - Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) today urged China to provide necessary support to boost skills and technology capacity of the country's entrepreneurs.

 The chamber made the call at a bilateral trade discussion between DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed and Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen at the Embassy of China in the city, said a press release.

During the meeting, Taskeen Ahmed mentioned that the total bilateral trade between Bangladesh and China stood at US$ 17.35 billion in FY2024, where Bangladesh's imports and exports amounting to $16.64 billion and $715.38 million respectively. 

He stated that continued sustainable socio-economic development of Bangladesh and harnessing the opportunities of LDC graduation will largely depend on the strengthening of bilateral economic partnership between the two countries. 

Dhaka Chamber President said China is Bangladesh's largest import partner, with multifaceted cooperation in infrastructure, energy and power, education, and human resource development. 

He further called for China's comprehensive cooperation in agriculture and agro-processing, ICT, renewable energy, automobile, light engineering, footwear, logistics, medical equipment and healthcare, API, semiconductors, and shipbuilding sectors. 

At the same time, he urged China to extend its support in developing the skills, capacity, and technological advancement of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to sustain in global trade competitiveness.

Ambassador Yao Wen informed that since last year, over 20 new Chinese companies in the RMG and textile sectors have committed nearly $800 million investment in Bangladesh, which, once materialized, will help further boost the country's exports. 

He also noted Chinese entrepreneurs' growing interest in investing in the Electronic Vehicle (EV) sector in Bangladesh. 

However, he pointed out that high tariffs and lack of supportive policies are hindering investments in this sector.

 The Ambassador expressed hope that the Bangladesh Government will address the issue with due importance and urged DCCI to take initiatives in this regard. 

He further mentioned that 85% of Bangladesh's total exports come from the ready-made garment sector, which is not sustainable in the long run. 

Therefore, he stressed the need for diversification of Bangladesh's export basket by prioritizing other potential sectors and enhancing export competitiveness. 

He also encouraged Bangladesh to seek China's technological cooperation in improving its production capacity.