China’s Contribution and Bilateral Relations : China is playing a crucial role in Bangladesh's infrastructural development. Both countries are advancing on the path of development based on mutual cooperation. With modern technological assistance, Bangladesh is entering the era of digital economy.
China’s artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and innovation have become key drivers of the country’s economic growth. According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics in the report Digital China Development, in 2023, approximately 10% of China’s GDP was attributed to the digital economy.
Currently, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and China stands at around $28 billion, with China being Bangladesh’s largest source of imports. Bangladesh heavily depends on China for raw materials, machinery, electronic goods, and consumer products, especially for the garment industry.
Trade and Export Benefits
In 2020, China granted duty-free access for 97% of Bangladeshi products. This initiative has opened new opportunities for small and medium entrepreneurs to enter the Chinese market and has enhanced the diversification of Bangladesh’s economy. In recent years, exports of agricultural products, jute goods, and pharmaceuticals have increased significantly.
Chinese Technology Strengthening Bangladesh’s Digital Economy
Chinese technology companies, including Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, have accelerated the growth of Bangladesh’s digital economy. China’s technological support plays a vital role in implementing the Digital Bangladesh Vision.
Experts note that many people in Bangladesh still perceive artificial intelligence (AI) only in terms of writing, image creation, or chatbots. In reality, AI has the potential to transform industry, agriculture, healthcare, disaster management, and national security.
It is essential to establish a research-based and application-oriented AI framework in Bangladesh. Setting up AI research labs in universities, applying AI in agriculture and disaster management, and forming a national AI council or task force through public-private partnerships are timely and necessary steps.
China’s Interest in Gaming and Digital Sector
Bangladesh’s gaming industry holds significant potential. Chinese technology company Tencent is keen to collaborate in the development of Bangladesh’s gaming and digital sector. Ye Lar Lau, Head of Public Affairs for the APAC region at Tencent, said, “Gaming is not just entertainment; it is a powerful economic sector that creates jobs, fosters technological innovation, and strengthens global connectivity.”
Bangladesh’s young, tech-savvy population is well-positioned to harness the vast potential of the gaming industry.
Telecom Sector and Smartphone Influence
Chinese technology dominates Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure, including mobile networks, fiber optics, CCTV cameras, and government IT projects. Most telecom companies in the country rely on Chinese equipment.
Chinese smartphone brands are increasingly popular due to affordability, attractive designs, quality cameras, and long-lasting batteries. Brands like Oppo, Tecno, Realme, Vivo, and Xiaomi are preferred among the youth and middle class. Local assembly plants have reduced prices, created jobs, and increased government revenue.
Progress in Electric Vehicle Sector
China’s electric vehicle (EV) company BYD entered the Bangladeshi market in 2024. Following the success of its first model, BYD quickly opened a second showroom in Dhaka. The BYD Sealion 6 can travel 1,092 kilometers on a single charge.
BYD is leading the country’s EV sector by installing charging stations and promoting environmentally friendly transportation.
Chinese Investment and Industrial Development
In the first three months of 2025, Chinese investment in Bangladesh tripled compared to the previous year. Currently, around 1,000 Chinese companies are operating in Bangladesh across garments, construction, electricity, renewable energy, and ICT sectors.
In Chittagong’s China Economic and Industrial Zone, over 30 Chinese companies are active. China Lesso Group and Direction Technology are establishing new factories, creating between 478 and 600 new jobs.
Conclusion
China’s technology, investment, and innovation are playing a vital role in Bangladesh’s industrialization, digital transformation, and economic growth. Through effective public-private collaboration, Bangladesh can leverage these technologies and investments to build a digital economy and AI-driven smart Bangladesh.