Focusing on China

China is Bangladesh’s leading trade partner, accounting for around one-fourth of its imports. Over the years, investment from China has also risen. Again, the country that built the Great Wall has also become a key financier of Bangladesh’s debt. Overall, China’s footprint in Bangladesh has been increasing gradually. So, there is also growing interest in the country and its socio-economy, as well as the dimension of bilateral relations. Against the backdrop, Abul Quasem Haider’s book titled ‘Chinese Investment in Bangladesh’ seems a tiny effort to shed light on the Bangladesh-China economic relation.
The book is a compilation of 28 articles published in various newspapers and periodicals over time. As most of the articles focus on China, the author titled the book “Chinese Investment in Bangladesh.” As a seasoned businessman, Haider sought to highlight the trade and economic ties between the two countries, along with a brief overview of China’s historical development. According to him, “China’s role as a development partner, particularly in South Asia and Bangladesh, is examined in depth. The bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and China, formally established in 1976, has grown steadily over the decades into a multifaceted partnership encompassing trade, infrastructure, energy and cultural exchange. Bangladesh’s strategic geopolitical location makes it a key partner for China, as reflected in numerous infrastructure projects – such as roads, bridges, and power plants – funded through Chinese investment.”
Nevertheless, most of the pieces compiled in the book are scattered. There is also a lack of in-depth analysis and, in some cases, sufficient data and statistics to depict the bilateral economic relationship on a big canvas. It is thus expected that Haider, who is also the author of 44 books and booklets, will put in extra effort to revise the book in its second edition to make it an essential reference for students, researchers, traders, and policymakers.