Abdul Moyeen Khan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has called for China’s assistance in establishing facilities for the production of raw materials for the country’s garment sector. He made this appeal during a meeting with Sun Haiyan, the Chinese Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), in Beijing.
Khan emphasised the importance of producing garment raw materials domestically to lower the costs of ready-made garment (RMG) products. “If we can manufacture these essential raw materials, we will be able to supply finished garments at a highly competitive price,” he stated.
The meeting included a diverse delegation from Bangladesh, comprising leaders from eight political parties, students, scholars, and journalists, highlighting the multifaceted relationship between Bangladesh and China.
During the discussions, Khan expressed the need for guidance from China in manufacturing key raw materials, such as yarn, to bolster the local garment industry. He also proposed expanded cooperation in various sectors, particularly once a new democratic government is formed in Bangladesh following credible elections.
Khan recalled a promise made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Bangladesh eight years ago, which included substantial economic support. However, he noted that the previous Bangladeshi government had only managed to utilise 25-30 percent of that promised financial assistance. “We hope this financial support and cooperation will be revitalised in the coming months, greatly benefiting the people of Bangladesh,” he added.
In addition to raw materials, Khan urged China to assist in developing Bangladesh’s artificial intelligence (AI) industry and proposed the establishment of an electric vehicle production factory in the country.
Highlighting the historical ties between Bangladesh and China, Khan expressed gratitude for China’s cooperation in several major infrastructure projects, including the China-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge, which was the first bridge built in Bangladesh with Chinese support. He also noted that the garment sector in Bangladesh owes its inception to ideas introduced by China, positioning Bangladesh as the second-largest garment supplier in the world.
The BNP leader reaffirmed the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation with China, given Bangladesh’s geopolitical significance. He expressed hope that the historic relationship between the two nations would not only continue for decades but for millennia.
The visit of the 21-member delegation, which took place at the invitation of the Communist Party of China, is seen as a significant step in renewing ties between the CPC and the democratic political parties of Bangladesh. Khan concluded by stating that the diplomatic relationship established by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman 50 years ago has ushered in a new era of collaboration between the two countries.
