Beijing/Dhaka, June 26: Bangladesh has urged China to help narrow the growing trade imbalance between the two countries and accelerate the implementation of key infrastructure projects, as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first official visit to Beijing since taking office. The visit underscores Dhaka’s efforts to deepen economic cooperation with China while maintaining balanced ties with regional partners.
Dhaka Seeks Greater Access to Chinese Market
During the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Prime Minister Rahman requested China to diversify imports from Bangladesh in order to reduce the widening trade deficit. He urged Beijing to increase imports of Bangladeshi products such as mangoes, jackfruit, guava, aquatic products, raw leather and pharmaceutical goods, while also supporting the modernization of Bangladesh’s industrial sector. China imported goods worth approximately $1.3 billion from Bangladesh last year, with human hair, cotton yarn and jute products among the country’s leading exports.
Push for Faster Infrastructure Development
Bangladesh also sought China’s assistance in expediting several flagship infrastructure projects that are considered critical for the country’s economic development. Rahman stressed the importance of timely implementation of ongoing projects and called for greater Chinese investment in industrial modernization, connectivity and logistics infrastructure. The discussions come as Bangladesh continues to rely on Chinese financing and expertise for several large-scale development initiatives.
Cooperation Expands Beyond Trade
China reaffirmed its willingness to strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh in multiple sectors, including artificial intelligence, green technology, healthcare, education and regional connectivity. Both sides also agreed to deepen collaboration on port development, water resource management and the long-discussed Teesta River project. Beijing reiterated its support for advancing the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, a key regional connectivity initiative under the Belt and Road framework.
Defence Cooperation Discussed
The two sides also discussed enhancing defence cooperation during the visit. However, Bangladeshi officials clarified that while the issue was part of the bilateral discussions, no defence agreement was signed. The talks reflect the expanding strategic partnership between the two countries, although both governments primarily highlighted economic and development cooperation during the visit.
Balancing Regional Relationships
Rahman’s visit comes at a time when Bangladesh is attempting to balance its relationships with both China and neighbouring India amid growing strategic competition in South Asia. China remains one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners, major investors and creditors, with Dhaka owing approximately $6.2 billion in loans to Beijing. Analysts believe Bangladesh will continue pursuing a pragmatic foreign policy that seeks investment and infrastructure support from China while preserving stable relations with India and other regional partners.