Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Bangladesh, China Advance Teesta, Defense and Economic Cooperation Plans
Bangladesh and China are trying to work more closely together.
Their officials discussed improving the Teesta River and expanding trade.
They also reviewed plans for Chinese investment in an industrial zone and upgrades at Mongla Port.
The industrial zone could bring about $500 million and many jobs, according to the article.
Bangladesh is also considering buying Chinese J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters.
The purchase is not yet described as a completed deal, because formal negotiations are still being prepared.
The countries want to start more regular talks about foreign policy and defense.
They also discussed exporting Bangladeshi fruit to China and working together on the Rohingya issue.
Bangladesh and China discussed cooperation on Teesta River management and restoration during a meeting in Dhaka.
The two countries reviewed plans for the China Economic and Industrial Zone, Mongla Port modernization and a possible Mongla Export Processing Zone.
The China Economic and Industrial Zone is expected to attract about 30 Chinese companies, $500 million in investment and 100,000 local jobs.
Bangladesh is preparing for formal negotiations on potentially buying Chinese J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters.
Officials also discussed strategic dialogues, agricultural exports, the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor and Rohingya cooperation.
- Who
- Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, with broader involvement from the governments of Bangladesh and China.
- What
- The countries discussed Teesta River cooperation, Chinese investment and infrastructure projects, closer diplomatic and defense ties, and possible J-10CE fighter jet and attack helicopter purchases.
- When
- The meeting followed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China; Bangladesh's possible aircraft purchase was discussed in an official briefing last week, and Kabir was invited to visit China in October.
- Where
- The discussions took place in Bangladesh and concerned projects including the Teesta River, Mongla Port and the China Economic and Industrial Zone.
- Why
- The stated aims are to deepen Bangladesh-China strategic and economic relations, modernize Bangladesh's air force, increase investment and trade, and expand cooperation on regional issues.
- Industrial investment
- The China Economic and Industrial Zone is expected to attract about 30 Chinese companies and approximately $500 million in investment.
- Estimated employment
- The zone is projected to create about 100,000 jobs for local Bangladeshis.
- Infrastructure
- China and Bangladesh discussed the modernization of Mongla Port and possible cooperation on a Mongla Export Processing Zone.
- Water cooperation
- The two sides discussed the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration.
- Defense procurement
- Bangladesh is preparing a draft agreement for possible J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters.
- Diplomatic mechanisms
- Officials discussed launching a foreign minister-level Strategic Dialogue and state minister-level Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue.
- Other cooperation
- The agenda included jackfruit and guava exports, the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor and the Rohingya issue.