Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Beijing on Wednesday after wrapping up his participation in the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos in Dalian, setting the stage for high-stakes talks with China’s top leadership focused on trade, investment, infrastructure and economic cooperation.
Travelling by high-speed train from Dalian, the prime minister began the most consequential phase of his four-day China visit, during which he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and meet President Xi Jinping.
The Beijing leg of the visit comes as Bangladesh seeks to attract greater Chinese investment, expand trade, secure development financing and deepen cooperation in sectors ranging from infrastructure and connectivity to technology and manufacturing.
Officials said discussions are expected to focus on strengthening economic ties, accelerating investment flows and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Before departing for Beijing, Tarique Rahman participated in the final day of the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum, widely known as Summer Davos, where global leaders, policymakers and business executives discussed innovation, economic transformation and emerging global challenges.
The prime minister also joined the forum’s plenary session alongside Chinese Premier Li Qiang, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Mongolian Prime Minister Nyam-Osor Uchral, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic and Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah.
On the sidelines of the conference, he held discussions with several world leaders and senior officials on trade, investment, economic development and regional connectivity.
The forum, attended by more than 1,700 participants from over 90 countries and regions, provided Bangladesh with an opportunity to showcase its economic ambitions and attract international investment.
This year’s gathering, themed “Innovating at Scale,” focused on the global economy, artificial intelligence, industrial transformation, climate change and sustainable development.
Earlier, Tarique Rahman addressed a session on climate leadership, where he outlined Bangladesh’s plans for climate resilience, renewable energy expansion, river management and green industrialization.
He also held talks with World Economic Forum President and Chief Executive Officer Alois Zwinggi and attended a state dinner hosted by Premier Li Qiang alongside the heads of government of several countries.
The prime minister’s arrival in Beijing now shifts attention to the bilateral agenda.
Premier Li Qiang is expected to accord Tarique Rahman a formal red-carpet reception at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday before the two sides hold official talks.
The meetings are expected to review the entire spectrum of Bangladesh-China relations, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, connectivity, technology cooperation and regional issues.
Tarique Rahman is also scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, a meeting that officials view as a key opportunity to elevate bilateral relations and secure deeper economic engagement.
The China visit forms the second leg of the prime minister’s first overseas tour since assuming office in February.
He arrived in China from Malaysia, where discussions centered on labor migration, trade, investment and Bangladesh’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The prime minister is expected to return to Bangladesh on June 26 after concluding the visit.
