A high-level Chinese delegation led by BETTEX Chairman Frank Yi completed a highly productive three-day visit to Bangladesh, exploring diversified investment opportunities across textiles, fibers, IT and artificial intelligence, supply-chain technology, advanced manufacturing, education and research, and the medical & healthcare sectors.
The 13-member delegation—comprised of senior executives and entrepreneurs from the 45th cohort of the CKGSB (Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business) EMBA program—traveled to Bangladesh following an invitation extended by Chairman Frank Yi during an open lecture session. After two months of coordination and planning, the group arrived for their first visit to the country.
Day 1: Engaging With Key Government and Industry Leaders
The visit began on 10th December with a meeting at the BIDA (Bangladesh Investment Development Authority). Senior Business Development Manager Imran Hossain briefed the delegation on Bangladesh’s investment ecosystem, policy landscape, and sectoral opportunities. He emphasized the importance of strengthening China–Bangladesh economic ties, laying a strong foundation for deeper understanding of local business dynamics.
The delegation then visited BETTEX Premium and BHML factories in Gazipur—operated by BETTEX (HK) Ltd.—to gain firsthand insights into Bangladesh’s woven and knit production capabilities, labor competitiveness, and factory operations.
Later that afternoon, the team toured Zaber & Zubair Fabrics Ltd., one of the key players of fabric and home textile in Bangladesh. The company showcased its product innovation, production workflow, and sustainability practices. Both sides expressed interest in continued collaboration, with invitations extended for Z&Z’s leadership to visit outstanding CKGSB-affiliated enterprises in China.
Day 2: Exploring Bangladesh’s Digital and Apparel Ecosystem
On 11th December, the delegation turned its focus to Bangladesh’s fast-growing digital economy with a visit to Chaldal, the country’s leading instant-delivery platform. Co-founder Zia Ashraf introduced the team to Chaldal’s dynamic “Taobao-style” model and provided an on-the-ground perspective of Bangladesh’s e-commerce logistics infrastructure.
In the afternoon, a high-level dialogue was held with the BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association). President Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu) and industry representatives highlighted three crucial areas where Bangladesh’s textile sector seeks stronger cooperation with China:
1. Localized raw material production
2. New energy and sustainability technologies
3. Advanced textile machinery and innovation
BGMEA leaders also invited Chairman Frank Yi to join the association and assume an advisory role to deepen bilateral industrial cooperation. Professor Wu Jie and Chairman Yi warmly welcomed the idea and extended a reciprocal invitation for a BGMEA business delegation to visit China.
A meaningful humanitarian stop was made at a local underprivileged children’s home founded by Pat Kerr, where delegates interacted with children, listened to stories, and supported the community by purchasing handmade crafts—reflecting their commitment to future social responsibility initiatives in Bangladesh.
That evening, the delegates met with the CEAB (Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh). Secretary-General Guangzhou Zhong and leaders of the textile and arbitration committees briefed the group on Chinese enterprise development in Bangladesh. Professor Wu expressed gratitude for CEAB’s support and emphasized the importance of fostering greater collaboration between Yangtze River Delta enterprises and Bangladesh.
Day 3: Insights Into Southeast Asia’s E-Commerce Landscape
The trip concluded on 12th December with a visit to Daraz, Southeast Asia’s largest e-commerce platform and part of the Alibaba ecosystem. CEO Yi Qian offered an in-depth analysis of regional e-commerce trends, digital growth patterns, and cross-border opportunities. Professor Wu invited CEO Qian to share his expertise with business leaders in the Yangtze River Delta region—a proposal he gladly accepted, opening the door for future knowledge exchange.
A Successful Mission with Promising Pathways Forward
The three-day visit not only strengthened ties between Bangladesh and the CKGSB business community but also highlighted vast opportunities for collaboration in manufacturing, technology, digital commerce, and sustainable industry development.
Chairman Frank Yi’s initiative and leadership created a meaningful platform for long-term partnership, investment exploration, and cross-border industrial dialogue—marking an important milestone in China–Bangladesh engagement.
