South Asia Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 presentation by Ashiq Chowdhury, Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority

[Bilal9]

Date of Event: Apr 9, 2025 Source : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL1JA2-Y4uA

Bangladesh is Open for Business !!

Note: Long video of 11 minutes, but exciting nonetheless

@Saif bhai, you can post some Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 videos here as well. Guys, I will be providing TLDR in English if needed.

 

[Bilal9]

Guys, I will be providing TLDR in English if needed.

 

[Bilal9]

Dr. Yunus got emotional when he discussed the human-induced famine (caused by political incompetence - my views) of 1974 at the investment summit. A genuine leader for Bangladesh, whom Bangladesh is truly lucky to get.

As usual, I will be providing TLDR in English if needed.

 

[Bilal9]

BIDA Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury announced at one of Investment Summit conferences in Dhaka that the Chinese Commerce Minister His Excellency Wang Wentao will be visiting Dhaka with 200 Investors and other business delegates sometime next month.

I will be providing TLDR in English if needed.

 

[Bilal9]

UK Trade Envoy Her Excellency Baroness Rosie Winterton is in Dhaka on the occasion of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. She met with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus yesterday.
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Chief Advisor calls for UK cooperation to strengthen country's healthcare system​

বুধবার যমুনায় ড. ইউনূসের সঙ্গে সাক্ষাৎ করেন যুক্তরাজ্যের বাণিজ্য দূত ব্যারোনেস রোজি উইন্টারটন। ছবি: প্রধান উপদেষ্টার ফেসবুক

UK Trade Envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton met with Dr. Yunus in Yamuna on Wednesday. Photo: Chief Advisor's Facebook

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for closer cooperation with the UK to strengthen Bangladesh's healthcare system.

He made this statement while meeting the UK Trade Envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton, the Chief Advisor, at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

Baroness Winterton said, "We have a long and trusted relationship and we are pleased with the progress that is being made in reform."

"This is a transformative time for us. We are focusing on restructuring the institution and reprioritizing," said Professor Yunus.

Highlighting the shortage of skilled health workers in Bangladesh, he said, "We currently have a shortage of nurses. But nursing is not just a national problem—it is a global need. We want to provide more nurse training not just for Bangladesh, but for the entire world."

The chief advisor called for UK support to strengthen Bangladesh's under-resourced health sector.

"Government-run health programs are almost ineffective. Here the UK can play an important role. Another potential sector is the pharmaceutical industry. We urge you to take a stand in favor of lifting patent protection so that every country can produce vaccines in a cost-effective social business model," he said.

The two sides discussed broader areas of strategic cooperation, including education, the textile industry, defense, and aviation.

Professor Yunus said, "We welcome the UK's support in developing our education system, modernizing the textile sector, and exploring new areas of cooperation in defense and aviation."

Both leaders expressed interest in training, technology exchange, and long-term partnerships in this sector.

Emphasizing gender equality, Professor Yunus said, "We prioritize women's participation in all sectors. Women's empowerment is at the center of our development strategy."

Baroness Winterton expressed the UK Government's support for the current reform agenda. She also met with Ali Riaz, Head of Bangladesh's Constitutional Reform Programme.

Regarding the possible timing of the next national election, the chief advisor said, "If political parties agree on a short reform process, the election could be held in December. However, if a larger reform path is chosen, the election could be held in June."

BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun and Chief Coordinator of the Office of the Chief Advisor Lamia Morshed were present at the meeting.

 

[Bilal9]

Why is the UK interested to invest in Bangladesh? Her Excellency Baroness Rosie Winterton explains.

 

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Global Investors Reaffirm Commitment To Bangladesh’s Growth​

3 min read​

Last updated Apr 10, 2025

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Global investors and prominent international brands expressed renewed confidence in Bangladesh’s economic potential and policy direction at the Bangladesh Investment Summit held in Dhaka. Throughout the four-day event, senior executives and trade delegates conveyed strong interest in expanding investments and forging deeper partnerships, particularly in the garments, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors reportedly.

Several leading companies including China’s Handa Industries, Spain’s fashion giant Inditex, Switzerland-based Holcim Group, and Baroness Rosie Winterton, the UK’s trade envoy to Bangladesh, showed fresh enthusiasm for investment in the country.

Major Deal with Handa Industries

Chinese apparel leader Handa Industries signed a $150 million investment agreement with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Of this, $100 million will go towards textile and dyeing ventures within economic zones, while $50 million is allocated for garment production inside export processing zones.

The MoU was formalised by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of both BIDA and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), and Heng Zeli, Chairman of Handa (Dhaka) Textile Co. Ltd.

Inditex Strengthens Its Ties

Inditex CEO Oscar Garcia Maceiras held a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. He commended the Chief Adviser’s address at the summit, describing it as deeply motivating. He emphasized that Bangladesh plays a crucial role in Inditex’s global sourcing network, highlighting the country’s business-friendly climate and its growing significance in adapting to evolving global trade shifts.

Maceiras shared plans to deepen ties through several new initiatives. Inditex will now sponsor higher education for at least 50 female workers from its local factories via a partnership with the Asian University for Women in Chattogram. Furthermore, the company is launching a Chair for Spanish Language and Culture at Dhaka University and preparing to introduce air cargo operations from Sylhet International Airport. The Chief Adviser welcomed these moves and urged further investment in garment worker healthcare services.

UK Looks to Collaborate in Health and Education

During her meeting with Professor Yunus, Baroness Winterton discussed broader cooperation, especially in health and education. The Chief Adviser noted the pressing shortage of nurses, framing it as both a national and global issue, and expressed interest in training more professionals to serve both domestic and international needs.

He called for greater UK engagement in strengthening Bangladesh’s healthcare sector, stating that government-run programs are struggling and could benefit significantly from international collaboration. He also encouraged partnerships in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly regarding lifting vaccine patent restrictions so that local manufacturing can be done under a social business model.

The conversation also touched on broader investment opportunities in modernising textiles, education, aviation, and defense, alongside a reaffirmation of Bangladesh’s dedication to women’s empowerment.

Earlier, Baroness Winterton addressed the summit and acknowledged British businesses’ eagerness to expand their footprint in Bangladesh. However, she noted that regulatory complications and bureaucratic delays remain challenges. She praised BIDA’s reform efforts, saying they are playing a key role in rebuilding investor trust and signalling that Bangladesh is ready for business.

Holcim Commits to Long-Term Investment

Martin Kriegner, a senior executive of Holcim Group and head of its operations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, also held discussions with Chief Adviser Yunus. Their conversation revolved around cement consumption trends, environmental sustainability, and Holcim’s long-term plans in Bangladesh.

Holcim, the parent company of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh, is currently implementing waste-to-energy practices by using non-recyclable plastics as fuel at its Chhatak plant—an initiative claimed to have no negative environmental effects. The company is also exploring the possibility of replicating its international carbon capture technologies in Bangladesh.

Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh, expressed optimism about business growth in the near future and mentioned the company’s new offering of construction aggregates, which could help reduce reliance on foreign imports.

Professor Yunus expressed appreciation for Holcim’s continued investment and reaffirmed the government’s supportive stance toward business and innovation. Kriegner also thanked the government for creating an enabling environment that allows the production of high-quality goods within Bangladesh and confirmed Holcim’s long-term commitment to the local market.

 

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Coverage of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025

 

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More coverage of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025

 

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Yet more coverage of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025

 

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Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 – Inauguration Ceremony​

Timestamps

01:09 - The ceremony celebrates int'l collaboration & investment potential in Bangladesh in global uncertainties.
05:12 - Inaugural speech highlights Bangladesh's investment potential and future vision.
10:17 - Saudi investment boosts Bangladesh's position as a regional economic hub.
12:47 - Actionable steps for improving investment facilitation in Bangladesh.
17:34 - Distinguished speakers share insights on Bangladesh's entrepreneurial spirit.
20:42 - Innovation and flexibility drive growth strategies for businesses globally.
26:56 - Strengthening UK-Bangladesh ties for economic growth and support for refugees.
30:06 - UK supports Bangladesh's transition to a prosperous, democratic future.
36:19 - Addressing Dhaka's traffic challenges to boost productivity and investment.
39:13 - Bangladesh and UK to enhance collaborations in education, climate, and defense.
44:25 - Bangladesh's skilled workforce drives economic growth through remittances & competitive mfg.
48:03 - Bangladesh's diverse industries showcase significant growth and innovation.
51:34 - Emphasizing healthcare and skills development for Bangladesh's economic growth.
53:27 - Bangladesh's economy shows resilience and potential for growth beyond apparel.
56:57 - Bangladesh offers a youthful workforce, economic stability, and improved governance for investment.
59:02 - Celebration of trailblazers with the Excellence in Investment Awards.
1:04:32 - Walton and Bkash recognized for excellence in ESG and foreign investment.
1:07:19 - Square Pharmaceuticals awarded for excellence in local investment.
1:14:53 - Mr. Kihak Sung (CEO) awarded honorary citizenship of Bangladesh for staying with Bangladeshis.
1:19:55 - Celebrating Bangladesh's journey and commitment to development since independence.
1:28:21 - Innovative telecommunications initiative transformed Bangladesh's connectivity landscape.
1:31:13 - Women in Bangladesh transformed the telephone industry with innovative selling approaches.
1:37:26 - Business can change the world by creating a sustainable, inclusive civilization.
1:40:06 - Generational entrepreneurship in Bangladesh drives innovation and opportunity.
1:45:50 - Bangladesh is presented as a hub of innovation and collaborative effort.
1:48:16 - Feedback encourages continuous improvement for future events.