|| Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) president Mohd. Khorshed Alam says Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) president Mohd. Khorshed Alam in an interview with Imtiaz Ahmed of the Bangladesh Mail said that Bangladesh–China bilateral trade is expected to reach some  USD 30 billion within the next five years, with particular emphasis on substantially increasing Bangladesh's exports.Bangladesh–China bilateral trade is currently around USD 20 billion, making China Bangladesh's largest trading partner. However, Bangladesh's exports to China remain below USD 1 billion, which indicates significant untapped potential.Md Khorshed Alam, Managing Director of Intimate International Limited and Chairman of Little Group, said “Our aspiration should be to increase bilateral trade to around USD 30 billion within the next five years, with particular emphasis on substantially increasing Bangladesh's exports”Md Khorshed Alam, Managing Director of Intimate International Limited and Chairman of Little Group, has been elected President of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) for the 2025–2027 term.The rest part of the interview is given below :Q1. How do you see this historic visit to China by the Bangladesh Prime Minister?This high-level visit marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh–China relations and has created renewed momentum for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between the two countries.From the perspective of the business community, one of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of two Agreements and thirteen Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), reflecting the growing depth of economic cooperation between Bangladesh and China. Among the two Agreements, the Chinese Economic Zone Development Agreement and the Framework Agreement on the Modernisation and Expansion of Mongla Port are particularly important, as they have the potential to strengthen Bangladesh's industrial capacity, improve trade logistics, and attract greater investment.These outcomes demonstrate a shared commitment to long-term economic partnership. We believe they will create new opportunities for businesses in both countries, facilitate technology transfer, generate employment, and further deepen Bangladesh–China trade and investment cooperation. BCCCI looks forward to working with both governments and the private sector to help translate these commitments into tangible economic benefits.Q2. Bangladesh has become a middle-income country. How do you see the economic, social and cultural development of Bangladesh over the last 55 years?Bangladesh's journey over the past 55 years has been remarkable. The country has transformed itself into one of South Asia's fastest-growing economies through sustained economic growth, infrastructure development, industrialisation, women's participation in the workforce, and improvements in education and healthcare.As we move towards becoming a developed economy, our next priority should be enhancing productivity, developing skilled human resources, increasing exports, and attracting quality foreign investment. Strong partnerships with countries like China can play an important role in supporting this next phase of development.Q3. What is the present trade volume between Bangladesh and China? What is our target within the next five years?Bangladesh–China bilateral trade is currently around USD 20 billion, making China Bangladesh's largest trading partner. However, Bangladesh's exports to China remain below USD 1 billion, which indicates significant untapped potential.Our aspiration should be to increase bilateral trade to around USD 30 billion within the next five years, with particular emphasis on substantially increasing Bangladesh's exports. Greater promotion of Made in Bangladesh products, improved market access, and stronger business-to-business engagement will be essential to achieving this goal.Q4. What are your observations about the business environment in Bangladesh?The Government has made notable progress in improving the business environment through infrastructure development, digitalisation, and investment-oriented reforms. At present, gas and power supply remain some challenges, and we appreciate the Government’s sincere efforts to address them.We are hopeful that these issues will be resolved soon. Reliable energy supply will significantly strengthen investors’ confidence, attract more FDI—particularly from China—and help local industries expand and grow.Q5. What is the number of Chinese living in Bangladesh and how do you evaluate their contribution?Thousands of Chinese professionals, engineers, technicians, and business representatives are currently working in Bangladesh across infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, and industrial sectors.Their contribution goes beyond investment. They have helped transfer technical knowledge, support major development projects, create employment opportunities, and strengthen business connectivity between our two countries. The growing interaction between Bangladeshi and Chinese professionals is creating valuable long-term partnerships.Q6. How do you evaluate Bangladesh–China relations since diplomatic ties were established in 1975?Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, Bangladesh and China have developed a relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and shared development objectives.Today, the partnership extends well beyond trade. It includes investment, infrastructure, education, healthcare, technology, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity. We believe the relationship has matured into a comprehensive economic partnership with significant potential for future growth.Q7. China has implemented a number of projects in Bangladesh. Can you brief us about them?China has been an important development partner in Bangladesh's infrastructure journey. Major projects include the Padma Bridge Rail Link, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel (Karnaphuli Tunnel), Payra Power Plant, Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant, as well as numerous roads, bridges, and power infrastructure projects.These projects have improved connectivity, strengthened industrial development, supported economic growth, and enhanced Bangladesh's long-term competitiveness.Q8. How do you evaluate the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) after 13 years?Over the past 13 years, the Belt and Road Initiative has evolved into a broader platform for connectivity, trade, investment, industrial cooperation, skills development, and cultural exchange.For Bangladesh, BRI has created opportunities for infrastructure development and economic cooperation. Going forward, we believe the next phase should place greater emphasis on industrial investment, technology transfer, technical education, green development, digital connectivity, and expanding Bangladesh's exports to China.From BCCCI's perspective, the greatest success of BRI will be measured not only by infrastructure, but by how effectively it creates jobs, develops skilled manpower, supports industrial growth, and delivers mutually beneficial outcomes for both countries.