Exhibition in Dhaka sees participants hail gains from the China-led BRI

The Belt and Road Initiative's development in Bangladesh has become a shining example of win-win cooperation among countries of the Global South, according to speakers at a two-day event in Dhaka late last week.

At an exhibition related to the China-led infrastructure program, officials, diplomats and industry representatives said that Belt and Road projects have become a living embodiment of Beijing's vision of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

They made the remarks at the "Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Bangladesh Exhibition 2025", which was held in the Bangladeshi capital from Sept 12 to 13 with a view to bolstering economic, commercial and technological cooperation further between Bangladesh and China.

The exhibition, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, brought together various participants, including local and international companies, investors, government officials and technologists.

The Bangladeshi interim government's commerce adviser, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, delivered a speech at the opening of the event, in which he mentioned that the BRI has built the necessary impetus that resulted in substantial increase in Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

The official noted that China is by far the largest trading partner of Bangladesh, supplying goods worth over $22 billion to the South Asian nation annually. Meanwhile, Beijing has also created opportunities for Dhaka to diversify its exports, through initiatives such as allowing Bangladeshi mangoes to enter the Chinese market, he said.

"We must make all collective efforts," the Bangladeshi official said, adding: "I would call upon all the enterprises in Bangladesh to really learn from China how to become more and more competitive."

Yao Wen, China's ambassador Bangladesh, said that Bangladesh was the first South Asian country to join the BRI. "Today, the BRI has become a household name in Bangladesh," he said, adding that the "development of the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership is a vivid testimony to the successful practice of high-quality BRI cooperation in Bangladesh".

BRI also showcases the joint endeavor of China with Bangladesh to build a community with a shared future for humanity, the envoy said.

Sobur Hossain, additional secretary, power division, at Bangladesh's Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources, said, "I would like to urge Chinese businessmen to come and get the opportunity to invest in Bangladesh, especially in the energy sector."

Han Kun, president of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh, said the exhibition reflects the accomplishments of the BRI and stands as a powerful testament to the cooperative spirit between the two nations and their business communities.

"It is far more than a display of projects; it is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of shared ambition and tangible achievement," he said.

NK Sanchaya is a freelance journalist for China Daily.

Contact the writers at vivienxu@chinadailyapac.com