Bangladesh is one of the most important countries under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) – established in 2004 – formerly known as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (CCCB) is bringing the two countries’ relationship closer. CEAB’s mission is to promote deeper cooperation and collaboration between the two countries, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and contribute to the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh. In 2019, the association changed its name to the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh.
Ge Zhenyu (Mike) President of Textile and Garment Branch of Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh(CEAB) has been leading the branch from the initial period. Mike is a veteran with over 20 years of experience in the field of T&A industry.
In a recent interview with Textile Focus Mike Ge highlighted the importance of deepening ties and cooperation between China and Bangladesh to increase Bangladesh’s textile industry’s capability.
Read the full conversation –
Q. Could you please share with us the current scenario of the RMG sector?
Mike Ge: The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, contributing over 80% of the country’s total exports and employing more than 4 million workers. Bangladesh is the second-largest apparel exporter in the world, after China, and continues to grow despite global challenges.
However, the industry is currently facing several challenges, including rising production costs, energy shortages, global economic slowdown, and shifting consumer demands for sustainability and compliance. At the same time, Bangladesh has great opportunities to diversify its product range, increase value addition, and explore new markets such as Australia, Japan, the Middle East and even China.
With LDC graduation approaching in 2026, the industry is actively working on strengthening backward linkages, upgrading technology, and ensuring sustainability to remain competitive in the global market.
Q. Could you please share with us the current contribution of China’s companies, especially in the textile sector in Bangladesh?
Mike Ge: Chinese enterprises play a vital role in Bangladesh’s textile and RMG sector, covering the entire supply chain from raw materials to high-tech machinery and finished apparel. Some key contributions include:
Investment in Textile Manufacturing: Over 300+ Chinese companies are directly involved in textile, spinning, dyeing, and garment production, bringing in advanced technology, expertise, and capital.
Machinery and Innovation: China is the leading supplier of textile machinery, helping Bangladeshi factories upgrade to more efficient and eco-friendly production.
Export Market & Trade: China is a huge potential market for Bangladeshi RMG export destinations. Bangladeshi exporters can enjoy duty-free facilities under China’s Shared Value concept.
New Technology Sharing: China has world-class textile and RMG production innovation and technology. We would like to share innovative technologies with our Bangladeshi industrial partners, making benefits under mutual understanding and achieving sustainable development.
Overall, China is not only a key investor but also a strategic partner in the long-term growth of Bangladesh’s textile industry.
Q. How many Chinese companies are investing in the Economic Zones, and what are the key barriers?
Mike Ge: Chinese companies are actively investing in Bangladesh’s Economic Zones, Currently, more than 150+ large Chinese textile and garment companies have either set up operations or are in the process of investing in these zones.
However, they face several key barriers, including:
Infrastructure & Energy Supply – Unstable electricity and gas supply increase production costs and affect efficiency.
Land Acquisition & Development Delays – Some economic zones still lack proper infrastructure, delaying investment.
Customs & Bureaucracy – Lengthy administrative processes slow down import/export operations.
Despite these challenges, Chinese companies remain committed to Bangladesh due to its strong market potential, strategic location, and competitive labor force.
Q. How does your association support the country to boost RMG exports?
Mike Ge: As the Textile and Garment Branch of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), we play an active role in supporting the industry through business collaboration, training, and policy advocacy. Our key initiatives include:
Strengthening Bangladesh-China Business Cooperation: Organizing the first-ever Bangladesh-China Green Textile Expo (BCGTX) in October 2025, a major platform to attract global buyers and showcase Bangladesh’s textile capabilities.
Hosting the Bangladesh-China Business Salon every quarter, facilitating B2B interactions between Chinese industry leaders, investors, BGMEA, BKMEA, and Bangladeshi entrepreneurs.
Enhancing Skills & Workforce Development: Launching the ‘Chinese + Textile’ Language Skills Training Program in November 2024 to improve communication between Chinese companies and local workers. Partnering with the North South University Confucius Institute and textile institutions to provide specialized training on textile technology and management.
Promoting Investment & Sustainability: Assisting Chinese companies in navigating Bangladesh’s investment landscape and overcoming regulatory hurdles.
Encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable textile production practices to meet global compliance standards.
Advocating for Policy Support: Engaging with Bangladesh government authorities (BEZA, BEPZA, BGMEA, BKMEA, etc.) to ensure a more business-friendly environment for Chinese textile investors. Promoting FTA negotiations and better trade policies to enhance export competitiveness. Through these efforts, we aim to boost Bangladesh’s RMG exports, strengthen Bangladesh-China textile collaboration, and ensure long-term sustainability in the industry.
