Commerce minister seeks Chinese investment in green tech

Chinese investment, technology transfer, and innovation-driven collaboration are crucial to transforming Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector into a more sustainable, eco-friendly, and technology-oriented industry, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said today.

He made the remark while inaugurating the second Bangladesh China Green Textile Expo 2026 in the capital.

China’s achievements in industrialisation, technological advancement, and poverty reduction offer valuable lessons for Bangladesh, the minister said.

He urged Chinese investors to pursue meaningful and long-term investments in Bangladesh to create a mutually beneficial “win-win” partnership between the two nations.

Describing China as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, Muktadir stressed the importance of increasing Chinese foreign direct investment to help narrow the trade gap between the two countries.

He also called for Chinese participation in reviving closed state-owned mills and factories, modernising the jute industry, expanding renewable energy initiatives, and advancing green industrialisation.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s progress in sustainable manufacturing, the minister said the country now hosts the world’s highest number of internationally certified green garment factories — a testament to the environmental commitment of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs.

He added that improving efficiency in water, electricity, and energy consumption would further strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the textile sector.

The minister expressed optimism that joint Bangladesh-China initiatives such as this expo would foster greater technology exchange, attract new investments, and accelerate sustainable industrial development.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen attended the event as a special guest.

The exhibition features environmentally friendly and recyclable textile technologies, alongside seminars and panel discussions involving leading industry stakeholders from Bangladesh and China.

Open to visitors daily from 10am to 7pm, the three-day expo will conclude on May 16.