Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, has spoken highly of the role of Chinese investment in Bangladesh's national development when talking about the two countries' economic ties in an exclusive interview in Beijing.
Currently China has close to 1,000 companies operating in Bangladesh, creating over 550,000 jobs for the country. Speaking to China Media Group (CMG) in Beijing on March 29, Yunus said he hopes to see more Chinese businesses invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the government's efforts to create a sound business environment for foreign companies in his country.
"First of all, we explain to them we're open to their suggestions. We are here to facilitate them. You make your money, but you are creating jobs for our young people. That's the thing that we get. So you don't have to worry the unemployment issue, [with] this growing population, this jobless young population. That should not worry us. So the more investment you make, that's what benefits," said Yunus.
From textile and garment to cellphone assembling, many Chinese enterprises have opened new factories in Bangladesh in recent years. On the subject of China's high-level opening up, Yunus highlighted the relocation of Chinese plants and Chinese technology as two key opportunities for his country.
"Two things come out recently in our perspective. Relocating of Chinese industries, and then we learn the technology. Some of the things that you would not like to do because you're moving up, you're leaving behind something which can be done by the Bangladeshis. They are learning from you. So that benefits us. And they become skilled all around. So they will have jobs not only in Bangladesh - now they are skilled people, they'll be respected everywhere," said the chief adviser.
Yunus also hailed China's leading role in promoting technological development.
"China is moving very fast with the technologies. We will be under a good teacher. They will show you all the things that technology can accomplish," he said.
Yunus paid a visit to China from March 26 to 29, during which he attended the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan, an island province in southern China, and traveled to Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese leaders.
Bangladeshi official lauds Chinese investment's contribution to Bangladesh's development
