Bangladesh to get duty-free, quota-free access to China until 2028

China will continue to offer duty-free and quota-free market access to Bangladeshi products until 2028, extending trade benefits for two years after Bangladesh graduates to a developing nation.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang confirmed the move while expressing interest in negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh.

Ding made the statement during a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (March 27) at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, often dubbed Asia’s Debates.

Pledging full support to Bangladesh’s interim government, Ding emphasised deepening bilateral trade, investment, cultural ties, and people-to-people exchanges as the two nations mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.

“President Xi Jinping highly values your visit,” Ding told Yunus. “China hopes Bangladesh will achieve greater prosperity under your leadership.”

Yunus leaned into Bangladesh’s China bond, doubling down on the One-China Policy. “We’re proud to be South Asia’s first in the Belt and Road Initiative,” he told Ding, voice firm with history. The meeting wasn’t just talk—deals flowed.

Ding pledged cash to modernise Mongla Port and the Dasherkandi Drainage Project, then sweetened it: mangoes, greenlit last year, hit Chinese markets this summer.

“It’s a trade balancer,” he said, eyeing economic parity. He tossed in a diplomatic carrot too—China’s nudge for Bangladesh-Myanmar chats to untangle the Rohingya knot.

Yunus did not miss a beat. “This is a milestone,” he said, gratitude lacing his words. “Let’s forge a new era—friendship, cooperation, a stronger partnership.” It’s a handshake with heft—ports, fruit, and peace talks, stitching Dhaka tighter to Beijing.

The meeting was also attended by Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, Energy, Rail & Road Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative of the Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, and BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury.