Chinese investors are gearing up for large-scale investments in Bangladesh’s green technology, jute, textiles and pharmaceuticals to support the manufacturing transformation envisioned by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Vice-President of the Export-Import Bank of China Yang Dongning said on Thursday.

During a meeting with the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna, Yang said China—long focused on big infrastructure projects in Bangladesh—is now shifting its attention to key manufacturing sectors. She was accompanied by Dr Ma Jun, President of the state-run Institute of Finance and Sustainability.

Yang highlighted growing Chinese interest in rooftop solar panels and Bangladesh’s “golden fibre”, noting that major investments are being planned for jute-based manufacturing—particularly for producing green energy, bio-fertiliser and plastic alternatives. She added that the Exim Bank, which financed several of Bangladesh’s major infrastructure projects, is now keen to support direct manufacturing investment as well.

Dr Ma Jun said Bangladesh’s traditional jute industry is emerging as a priority for Chinese investors, who are ready to form joint ventures and use up to one million tonnes of jute annually to produce green energy, fertiliser and substitutes for plastics.

There are opportunities for joint ventures in jute with Chinese financing,” he said.

Welcoming the growing interest, Chief Adviser Yunus said Chinese investment could help Bangladesh transform into a diversified manufacturing hub capable of exporting to developed markets, including China.

We can go full speed in these areas,” he said, stressing the potential of pharmaceuticals and healthcare alongside green energy manufacturing.

He noted that China—the world’s largest generator of solar power—can play a vital role in advancing Bangladesh’s shift toward solar and rooftop systems. He also encouraged China to relocate manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, citing the availability of young workers and the opportunity to repurpose closed state-run jute mills.

This is a very important dimension. We welcome this. We want to translate these into actions,” Yunus said.

Yang added that Chinese companies are also exploring opportunities in AI and e-commerce, sectors where China has become a global leader.

Inviting Chinese enterprises to relocate factories to southeastern Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser highlighted the region’s strategic proximity to Myanmar, Thailand and other Southeast Asian markets, as well as its access to major seaports.

They can produce goods and export them to rich nations as well as to China,” he said.

Professor Yunus also urged Chinese infrastructure companies to build railway links connecting Bangladesh with southern China to boost trade and ease the export of goods produced in relocated factories.

At the outset of the meeting, the Chief Adviser expressed deep condolences over the deaths of dozens of people in a deadly fire in a Hong Kong apartment block.

Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen were also present.