Under the auspices of the “Discussions, Narratives, Analyses” format, the Institute of International Politics and Economics and Daffodil International University from Bangladesh organized an online round table titled “Serbian and Bangladeshi Experience Cooperating with China within the BRI.”
Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr. Mihajlo Vučić, Deputy Director of the IIPE, and Prof. Dr. Greg Simons from the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication at Daffodil International University. Prof. Dr. Mihajlo Vučić briefly introduced the Institute and highlighted the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Daffodil International University in October 2025, emphasizing it as a foundation for future cooperation and joint projects. Building on this partnership, Prof. Dr. Greg Simons spoke about the importance of an “academic journey” and the evolving role of small states in the world.
Nenad Stekić, Senior Research Fellow at the IIPE, opened the discussion with an overview of contemporary Chinese security policy, situating it within the broader framework of China’s bilateral relations. He highlighted that Sino-Serbian relations are firmly grounded in shared principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, evolving over time into a “Community with a Shared Future” shaped by converging strategic interests. He also outlined concrete forms of security and defence cooperation between the two countries, before presenting findings from the COMPASS public opinion survey.
Angur Nahar Monty addressed Sino-Bangladeshi political cooperation through the lens of shifting global power dynamics, arguing that contemporary relations are driven less by ideology and more by structural geopolitical factors. She underscored the importance of strategic balancing, particularly in the context of Bangladesh’s post-2024 political transition, which nevertheless preserved continuity in relations with China. Diplomatic ties, established in 1975 and significantly strengthened following Xi Jinping’s 2016 visit, have positioned China as Bangladesh’s largest trading and development partner.
Katarina Zakić, Senior Research Fellow at the IIPE, focused on the economic dimension of Sino-Serbian relations, noting that strong political ties have facilitated the development of economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. However, she pointed out that Serbia currently faces a significant trade imbalance with China, with a deficit reaching approximately $5.5 billion. While the recently signed Free Trade Agreement is expected to address both the volume and structure of Serbian exports to China, challenges remain, particularly due to Serbia’s limited capacity to export high value-added products.
Prof. Mohammed Masum Iqbal presented Sino-Bangladeshi economic cooperation, starting with Bangladesh’s geostrategic position as a gateway to South Asia via the Bay of Bengal, and framing its partnership with China as one built on connectivity, capital, and shared strategic interests. Despite the benefits, he noted a significant imbalance in trade, with a 23:1 import-to-export ratio, underscoring the need for a more robust export strategy and potential free trade negotiations. Since joining the Belt and Road Initiative in 2016, Bangladesh has emerged as a major partner in South Asia, with cooperation focused on transport infrastructure, energy, industrial corridors, and logistics.
The round table was moderated by Dr. Aleksandar Mitić, Senior Research Fellow at the IIPE, while the discussants were Greg Simons and Jinnat Ara Jasoa.
The discussion and Q&A session focused on the challenges that a volatile geopolitical environment poses for smaller states, particularly the diminishing space for strict non-alignment in contemporary international relations. It was noted that excessive dependence on major powers, especially in a way that reduces a country to a passive “object” of Global North dynamics, carries profound risks for long-term sovereignty, identity, and development.
