Time for China to make more strategic investment, says finance minister

He hopes the CEIZ in Chattogram’s Anwara will generate employment for 100,000 people and attract investments exceeding $1 billion

Bangladesh's ties with China have reached a point where Dhaka expects more strategic investment from Beijing, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said.

On Monday, he urged Chinese investors to expand their presence in Bangladesh and called on Beijing to help establish a skills development centre in Anwara or Chattogram.

"This will help supply skilled workers to industries set up through both Chinese and domestic investment."

"Our partnership with China is not only economic; it is also strategic. Therefore, we want China to make strategic investments in Bangladesh. Investment in garments, pharmaceuticals or machinery manufacturing is welcome, but our relationship has now reached a stage where we can expect more strategic investment."

Speaking at the inauguration of infrastructure development work for the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, Khosru hoped the establishment of the CEIZ would generate employment for 100,000 people and attract more than $1 billion in investment.

"This is a major step towards achieving the government's goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2034," he said.

"It is also a significant step towards our target of creating 10 million jobs. Around 100,000 people will be employed here."