[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Investment Summit

[Bilal9]

 

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In the last video - the honorable BIDA chairman confirmed that there are a large number of Indian investors in this year's investor conference as well, and they were welcomed with open arms.

 

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[Saif]

NDB to invest $1b in Bangladesh in next one year: BIDA chief

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun on Tuesday said the New Development Bank (NDB) will invest US$ 1 billion in Bangladesh in the next one year. “NDB had already invested about $300 million. The Bank shall support publ

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

NDB to invest $1b in Bangladesh in next one year: BIDA chief
FE Online Desk
Published :
Apr 08, 2025 21:48
Updated :
Apr 08, 2025 22:11

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun on Tuesday said the New Development Bank (NDB) will invest US$ 1 billion in Bangladesh in the next one year.

“NDB had already invested about $300 million. The Bank shall support public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments,” he reporters on the second day of the Investment Summit at a hotel in the city.

Chowdhury Ashik said they want to provide funds not only to the government but also to the private sector, reports BSS.

“We have also tried to convince them that they have the opportunity to provide funds to social infrastructure, including hospitals and housing,” he added.

He also said foreign investors visiting Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Economic Zones (EZs) have inquired about the government’s plans to tackle bureaucratic red tape that could hinder business operations.

He stated that international delegates are keen to understand what specific support the government can offer if they choose to invest and do business in Bangladesh.

“They asked us what facilities or advantages the government could offer for doing business here,” he added.

He also noted that the Ease of Doing Business Index is now outdated and should no longer be used as a benchmark.

“There is no market in the world without challenges. Every country has its own set of problems. We are aware of the existing issues and are working to resolve them. Our goal is to address these challenges within the next one to two years,” he added.

Responding to a question about US tariffs, Chowdhury Ashik said it is not a problem exclusive to Bangladesh.

“Tariffs are a global issue. The entire world is currently facing this challenge,” he added.​

 

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Making BD an attractive investment destination

At a critical stage of the national economy when the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has tapered off to a six-year low, the Chief Adviser (CA) of the interim government has invited the country's global partners to a four-day event, namely, 'Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025'. Evide

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Making BD an attractive investment destination
FE
Published :
Apr 09, 2025 00:13
Updated :
Apr 09, 2025 00:13

At a critical stage of the national economy when the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has tapered off to a six-year low, the Chief Adviser (CA) of the interim government has invited the country's global partners to a four-day event, namely, 'Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025'. Evidently, the aim of the summit would be to highlight the transformative changes the economy has underwent recently driven by progressive investment policies introduced under his government and how those policies have created an investment-friendly atmosphere in the country. Notably, in his call to international investors, the CA did not fail to point out that on this special occasion, the prospective investors would also have the opportunity to have a data-driven insight into the most promising sectors of the economy for investment.

As expected, the four-day summit kicked off on April 7 (Monday) at a local hotel in the city by way of organizing an exposition highlighting the country's Startup ecosystem, titled, "Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025' where some 1,500 delegates attended different sessions of the event. At the event, discussions were reportedly held on the opportunities this evolving field of investment offers as well as the challenges facing it. At the opening session of the event, the Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Board Authority (BIDA), focused on how the government is trying to create an ecosystem to make business operation in Bangladesh much easier. As an investment promotion agency, as expected, its role would be to create a bridge between the assets the country possesses and the potential liquidity available in the global market. The areas of comparative advantage Bangladesh can offer to attract potential investors include cheaper utility services and trainable but cheap labour. Such inputs are cheaper compared to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia, its competitors. There is, however, no reason to believe that just showcasing the areas of comparative benefits can convince a potential investor. In that case, confidence building between the overseas investors and the country is important.

After years of not-so-gratifying experience, the investment promotion agency of the government should have learnt some valuable tips to win investors' confidence. The good news is that three cases of startup investments were reported on the very first day of the aforementioned Startup exposition, as informed by the special assistant to the CA for the ICT Division. Undoubtedly, this augurs well. Now the need is to make the process sustainable so that the general ambience turns favourable for investment.

On the first day of the Summit, it could be further learnt that, a 60-member business delegation representing 25 countries was shown the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) and the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) to showcase the country's manufacturing facilities. It is worthwhile to note that the KEPZ is based in Chattogram and is the first-ever private, country-specific export processing zone established in October 1999 and owned by the Korean industrial conglomerate Youngone Corporation. In fact, Youngone is one of the pioneers in setting up garment factories in Bangladesh for overseas export. At a presentation during the said delegation's visit, the chairman of the Youngone Corporation, Kihak Sung did reportedly highlight the simple and efficient system of its management that is not encumbered by many layers of bureaucracy as is the case with many government agencies in Bangladesh. Indeed, the experience of dedicated pioneers in foreign investors like Yoingone Corporation, can show the way for others to consider Bangladesh as a desirable destination for investment.​

 

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Bangladesh can generate millions of jobs through reforms in key sectors: WB

Bangladesh could attract significant investments and create millions of jobs by implementing essential reforms in four sectors, according to a World Bank Group report released on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. The new Bangladesh Country Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) report sh

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh can generate millions of jobs through reforms in key sectors: WB
UNB
Published :
Apr 08, 2025 18:12
Updated :
Apr 08, 2025 18:38

Bangladesh could attract significant investments and create millions of jobs by implementing essential reforms in four sectors, according to a World Bank Group report released on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025.

The new Bangladesh Country Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) report showed that with targeted policy actions, Bangladesh could create 2.37 million jobs annually in the construction industry by supporting the construction of new housing units, generate over 664,000 formal jobs by expanding domestic paint and dye production, and create between 96,000 to 460,000 new jobs through digital financial services reforms.

The report identifies four sectors-green readymade garments (RMG), housing for middle-income families, paint and dyes, and digital financial services-where policy actions can help remove barriers to private investment.

The report outlined specific, near-term steps the government can take to attract investment in these sectors, generate jobs, remain competitive after graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, and strengthen the domestic economy.

Some of the specific actions include: Upgrading production in the readymade garments sector to comply with EU requirements, focusing on greening. sustainability, and labor standards.

Strengthening the regulatory framework for digital mapping and property registration to improve access to mortgages by ensuring properties are valued at market rates rather than outdated tax-assessed values

Digitising customs classifications on imported inputs for paint and dyes to expedite clearance, enabling businesses to more easily comply with custom regulations.

Establishing protocols to enable mobile financial services for merchant wallets with higher transaction limits facilitating wholesale transactions and making digital payments more accessible for businesses.

"The World Bank Group's findings offer valuable guidance for shaping policies and strategies that promote private sector led growth and establish the institutional foundations essential for sustainable economic progress in Bangladesh,” said Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

“The Interim government is dedicated to fostering growth by creating a more conducive business environment and supporting the expansion of emerging industries, ultimately leading to job creation,” he added.

"With new and emerging challenges, Bangladesh needs urgent and transformative policy and institutional reforms to help firms expand domestically and compete globally and create millions of jobs for its youth entering the labor market every year," said Gayle Martin, World Bank Interim Country Director for Bangladesh.

The World Bank Group stands ready to collaborate with the government and all stakeholders to help Bangladesh stay on strong and inclusive growth path, he said.

"As part of the World Bank Group, IFC is committed to supporting Bangladesh to strengthen its private sector and drive economic growth," said Martin Holtmann, Country Manager IFC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal.

The Bangladesh CPSD launch was followed by a panel discussion on the report's findings by Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh Government's Envoy for International Affairs, and Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman, (BIDA), as well as private sector leaders, including Arun Mitra, Head of Operations, Nippon Paint, Kamal Quadir, CEO, bKash, Selim R.F. Hussain, Managing Director, BRAC Bank, Sharif Zahir, Managing Director, Ananta Group and Srabanti Datta, Managing Director, ABC Real Estate.​

 

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Foreign investors express keen interest in Bangladesh: BIDA

Foreign investors have shown strong interest in investing in Bangladesh after visiting the Japanese Special Economic Zone in Araihazar, a flagship project that is now ready for manufacturing industry setup, according to BIDA. “We are highlighting the experiences of the existing foreign inves

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Foreign investors express keen interest in Bangladesh: BIDA
FE Online Desk
Published :
Apr 08, 2025 20:57
Updated :
Apr 08, 2025 20:57

Foreign investors have shown strong interest in investing in Bangladesh after visiting the Japanese Special Economic Zone in Araihazar, a flagship project that is now ready for manufacturing industry setup, according to BIDA.

“We are highlighting the experiences of the existing foreign investors to the new ones visiting during the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025,” said Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), at a press briefing on the second day of the summit.

He provided a gist of the two-day programme and shared the views of both local and international investors who visited various Economic Zones in Chattogram and Narayanganj.

The BIDA chief said the government is actively gathering suggestions and feedback from participants to shape the next strategic plan aimed at attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI).

In response to a question, he mentioned that investors from countries such as South Korea and China are preparing to announce investment plans based on insights gained during the summit.

“But, attracting foreign investment goes beyond a single summit. The interim government must present a compelling image of a ‘New Bangladesh’ to leave a lasting impression on global investors,” he added.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, along with media team members and officials, attended the briefing.​

 

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A paradigm shift in investing

Bangladesh has a history of sacrificing the growth of both foreign and local investment at the altar of bureaucratic red tape and corruption at various stages of the investment process, political rent-seeking, infrastructural weakness, and inefficiency. On the first day of the four-day Bangladesh I

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

A paradigm shift in investing
Atiqul Kabir Tuhin
Published :
Apr 09, 2025 22:50
Updated :
Apr 09, 2025 22:50

Bangladesh has a history of sacrificing the growth of both foreign and local investment at the altar of bureaucratic red tape and corruption at various stages of the investment process, political rent-seeking, infrastructural weakness, and inefficiency. On the first day of the four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit on April 07, while debriefing journalists, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun cited the case of how complexities over the land right issue of Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Chattogram have led to the withdrawal of substantial amount of foreign investment over the decades. Korean entrepreneur Kihak Sung, Chairman of Youngone Corporation, bought 2,500 acres of land in Anwara, Chattogram and established the KEPZ in 1999. In spite of setting up the country's single largest private export processing zone, Sung has been facing persistent delays in securing mutation documents.

The BIDA Chairman revealed that in 2012 Samsung proposed to invest $22 billion and required land documents as part of their due diligence, which KEPZ was unable to provide, leading Samsung to shift the investment to Vietnam. Sung himself had also moved some of his ventures out of Bangladesh due to the lack of these mutation documents.

However, the good news is, that the land rights issue of the KEPZ which had been unresolved for over two decades has been resolved within the past two months following the intervention of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The government has already provided Sung with the mutation documents, which has encouraged him to bring in 31 Korean investors to participate in the four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit, which was attended by over 500 foreign investors from some fifty countries and around 2,500 local investors. Not only Sung brought some of his foreign investor friends along with him to the investor summit, but also he reportedly accompanied them to EPZ visits and highlighted the progress Bangladesh made under the current government in ease of doing business.

The resolution of the KEPZ land rights issue demonstrates that with strong political will and inter-agency cooperation-where government agencies and ministries prioritise national interest over bureaucratic rivalries-significant positive outcomes are achievable for businesses and service delivery alike. This is the kind of decisive action Bangladesh must replicate across various sectors to remove investment hurdles and build the confidence of foreign investors. Bangladesh has been an attractive destination to foreign investors for its cheap and trainable labour, comparatively cheaper utility services such as land and water, a vibrant consumer market and a thriving middle class. Over the years, great strides have also been made in developing infrastructure. The mega investment summit is a significant initiative to showcase the country's investment prospects and the progress it has made in making business easier.

The interim government, since assuming power nearly eight months back, has been working painstakingly to clean the Augean stables left behind by the corrupt and autocratic rule of the Hasina administration. Over the past decade and a half, the country's economy created a boom-and-bust cycle and remained trapped in stagnation, weak financial institutions due to ballooning non-performing loans, and debt. In the first quarter (Jul-Sep) of current FY 25, according to the latest BBS report, the GDP growth had plummeted to 1.96 per cent. Now, it is forecasted to grow to 4.48 per cent in the Q2 (Oct-Dec). To absorb the 2.4 million young people entering its labour market every year, Bangladesh needs a consistent economic growth rate exceeding 7 per cent. This higher growth rate is crucial not only for job creation but also for maintaining social stability and capitalising on the country's demographic dividend.

The median age in Bangladesh is only 27. That means Bangladeshis on average are a decade younger than the Thai people and two decades younger than Germans. Equipping this burgeoning youth demographic with relevant skills and generating meaningful employment opportunities represents one of Bangladesh's most pressing challenges at this critical juncture.

The much-touted economic growth during the Hasina regime's so-called development boom failed to generate sufficient employment, largely because it was driven by large-scale public sector development projects-many of which were wasteful, politically motivated, and served as avenues for siphoning off state resources through inflated costs. This infrastructure-heavy approach contributed to widening budget deficits and a rising public debt burden. Furthermore, the government's overwhelming focus on physical infrastructure came at the expense of human capital investment, resulting in a sharp decline in the quality of education and labour productivity. It has already been evident that the construction of mega-bridges, flyovers, expressways, and other large infrastructure alone cannot drive long-term economic growth. Rather, as global experience shows, sustainable economic development hinges on investment in human capital, innovation, and robust institutional reform.

So, there must be a paradigm shift from public sector mega infrastructural development to investment focused on human capital, technology, and institutional reforms. This requires a substantial investment in expanding cutting-edge technical and vocational training programmes, in partnership with esteemed international institutions. Also, there is a need to update the curricula of existing science and technology universities, establish more IT institutes in strategic cities if necessary, offer seed funding or low-interest loans to graduates, and provide comprehensive support for youth in project design and implementation. To attract a diverse talent pool, these initiatives must be implemented on a significant scale. Ideally, the private sector has to invest more motivated by the zeal for entrepreneurship and innovation. The government, for its part, must take determined steps to clear investment hurdles and reduce businesses' cost of operation to make them more competitive.

That said, earning investors' confidence in the country's political stability and law and order remains a major challenge for the government. The deplorable incident of vandalism targeting several outlets of Bata, KFC and Pizza Hut by unruly mobs during a pro-Palestine rally in several parts of the country, which coincided with the investment summit, has dealt an embarrassing blow. This recurring issue of lawlessness must be resolved to instill the confidence necessary to encourage domestic and foreign investment.​