Chinese solar giant Longi to invest in Bangladesh 

Longi, one of the world's largest solar panel manufacturers, has decided to set up an office and invest in solar panel manufacturing in Bangladesh, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said on Sunday. 

The decision follows a visit by several top Chinese solar panel manufacturers in December to explore investment opportunities after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus invited Chinese firms to relocate their manufacturing plants as part of the Interim Government's plan to turn Bangladesh into an economic hub. 

"At least two Chinese firms, including Longi, have decided to establish offices and plants in Bangladesh. They will invest very soon," Yao Wen told Professor Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. 

The ambassador said Chinese firms have been the largest investors in Bangladesh since August 5, when the previous government was removed from power. He noted that dozens of Chinese companies are preparing to invest as a dedicated Chinese export processing zone is set to become operational. 

The upcoming visit of the Chief Adviser to China will be the most significant in the 50-year-long diplomatic relationship between the two nations, Yao Wen added. 

Welcoming more Chinese investments, Professor Yunus said Bangladesh has the potential to become a key manufacturing hub for companies targeting Western markets. He also urged Chinese hospital chains to establish top-tier clinics or joint healthcare ventures in the country. 

Meanwhile, China has dedicated four hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients, and a group recently traveled there for treatment, the ambassador said. 

During his visit, Professor Yunus will speak at Peking University, which will confer an honorary doctorate on him. He will also address the Boao Forum, where he will discuss "Asia in a Changing World: Towards a Shared Future." 

The Chief Adviser is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 28, following which a joint statement will be issued.