Chinese Top Banks Urged to Start Operations in Bangladesh

Invest Bangladesh has strongly urged top Chinese banks to set up direct branch operations in Bangladesh. The call was made on Tuesday during the 'Bangladesh Day' program held at the headquarters of the Export-Import Bank of China in Beijing. Representatives from 11 Chinese financial institutions—including three of the world's largest banks: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China—along with 26 Chinese corporations, attended the event.

A joint presentation by Bangladesh Bank and Invest Bangladesh revealed that bilateral trade between the two nations reached $19 billion in FY 2024–25. Despite such substantial volume, no Chinese bank currently operates directly in Bangladesh. In contrast, Chinese banks operate actively in neighboring nations like Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, despite those countries having smaller bilateral trade volumes with China, making direct banking in Bangladesh an urgent necessity.

Speaking as the chief guest, Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury emphasized that the next phase of bilateral cooperation lies in building strong financial connectivity. He noted that Chinese investors need smooth trade financing, machinery financing, and long-term working capital. China Exim Bank Vice President Wang Kang noted that they currently finance roughly 40 key infrastructure, energy, and agro-processing projects in Bangladesh and intend to channel further investments into textiles and healthcare.

Economic analysts point out that establishing direct banking ties will significantly boost Chinese investments in specialized hubs like the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone and Mongla Economic Zone. Direct access to Chinese commercial banks will reduce transaction costs, streamline cross-border trade settlements, and provide much-needed long-term financing support for Bangladesh's growing industrial and export manufacturing sectors.