[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Investment Summit

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Date of Event: Apr 7, 2025 Source : https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/german-business-stakeholder-delegation-arrives-in-dhaka-for-investment-summit

German business stakeholder delegation arrives in Dhaka for Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Apr 06, 2025 20:58
Updated :
Apr 06, 2025 20:58

A German delegation consisting of different business stakeholders has arrived in Dhaka for a five-day visit from 6 to 10 April 2025.

The delegation includes representatives from the German Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the German Export Credit Agency (Euler Hermes), GIZ and company representatives, said a spokesperson of the German Embassy on Sunday.

The mission is coordinated by OAV – the German Asia-Pacific Business Association, a key network that promotes German business interests across Asia and serves as a strategic partner for German companies seeking to enter or expand in the region.

German Ambassador Achim Tröster welcomed the first such mission from Germany since the Interim Government took office: “We appreciate the initiative by OAV to bring a delegation to Bangladesh at the exact right time to witness firsthand the potential and opportunities that Bangladesh offers as well as the reform progress made.”

The delegation kicked off their visit with a briefing organised by the German Embassy in Dhaka. They will take part in the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, held in Dhaka and organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) in partnership with the Chief Advisor’s Office.

Germany remains one of Bangladesh’s most significant economic partners, with total bilateral trade amounting to USD 9.81 billion in 2024. This visit underscores Germany’s strong belief in Bangladesh’s economic potential and its commitment to expanding bilateral trade to mutual benefit.​

 

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BEZA invites foreign investment in ambitious NSEZ project in Ctg

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) on Monday invited foreign investors to explore opportunities at the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ), one of the country’s most ambitious development initiatives aimed at transforming its industrial landscape. The call came as a delegation

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BEZA invites foreign investment in ambitious NSEZ project in Ctg
UNB
Published :
Apr 07, 2025 19:03
Updated :
Apr 07, 2025 19:03

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) on Monday invited foreign investors to explore opportunities at the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ), one of the country’s most ambitious development initiatives aimed at transforming its industrial landscape.

The call came as a delegation of around 60 foreign investors visited the NSEZ to assess its potential.

"We want to show the world that Bangladesh is a stable country with huge investment opportunities," one of the BEZA officials said, welcoming the investors from South Korea, India, China, Japan, Australia and the Netherlands at the NSEZ.

The visit is part of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 that kicked off in Dhaka on Monday, marking a milestone event aimed at reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic progress, investment-friendly policies, and sustainable growth.

The NSEZ is strategically situated beside Bay of Bengal in south-eastern Bangladesh, with transportation routes such as Dhaka-Chattogram national highway Chattogram port and airport.

"For the first time, foreign investors have been brought to see the facilities in person. They have seen the opportunities in their own eyes and they are very impressed," Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

Attracting both domestic and foreign investment in chemical, basic steel, garments, leather products, pharmaceuticals, electronics, automobiles and agro-processing industries and promoting export-oriented and import substitute industries to support local value chains.

This industrial city will also accommodate residential area, financial hub, city centre, educational institutions, tourism facilities and other amenities.

To ensure sustainable industrialization, this city will comprise renewable energy solutions, environmental and social compliance management, green zones, dedicated service areas for effluent treatment and waste management.

The industrial enclave is expected to boost export earnings, contribute significantly to GDP growth and serve as a model for economic zones across Bangladesh.

The NSEZ has attracted approximately $19 billion worth local and foreign investment proposals.

As of today, the total number of investors is about 155, predicted to establish 500 industries in the future, BEZA officials said.

Officials said 11 factories have started production - Asian Paints, Nippon-Macdonald Steel, Modern Syntex, Jinyoun Chemical, Samuda Construction, Jeihong, Marico, and 3 others in BEPZA EZ - , and 28 more industries are under construction at NSEZ.

NSEZ is taking its shape towards turning into a smart, planned and self-reliant industrial city of the country with consistent coordination of all government agencies to ensure smooth development work and cohesive result, officials said.

Rabiul Chowdhury, founder & CEO of Naples Properties LLC said BIDA’s efforts to streamline processes and build investor confidence reflect a larger shift toward openness, transparency and global competitiveness.

"As an investor, I’ve seen firsthand how this shift has unlocked real opportunities and strong returns," he said.

Looking ahead, US-based Rabiul said, "I am hopeful we’ll see more US-Bangladesh trade missions, business forums, and policy cooperation. Deepening this bilateral relationship can drive economic growth, foster innovation, and promote shared prosperity."​

 

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Some 70 foreign investors visit KEPZ, NSEZ in Chattogram

Some 70 foreign businessmen and representatives of companies from different countries like Korea, China, Japan, Australia, and India on Monday visited the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Chattogram at Anwara and the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) at Mirersarai. The formal journey of

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Some 70 foreign investors visit KEPZ, NSEZ in Chattogram
BSS
Published :
Apr 07, 2025 20:30
Updated :
Apr 07, 2025 20:30

Some 70 foreign businessmen and representatives of companies from different countries like Korea, China, Japan, Australia, and India on Monday visited the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Chattogram at Anwara and the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) at Mirersarai.

The formal journey of the Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025 began on Monday with in-field visits by investors to KEPZ and NSEZ.

On the maiden day of the Summit, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) arranged the a visit to country's two industrial KPIs, mainly dominated by foreign entrepreneurs to apprise and show practically the visiting foreign team regarding the existing conducive environment for their investments.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus will make the formal inauguration of the Summit on Wednesday at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital.

BIDA has been organising this four-day Summit which will continue till Thursday.

The foreign investors from different countries visited various factories of the Youngone Corporation in Chattogram at the KEPZ from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. After the factory visit, a presentation was made on the various operations at KEPZ before the foreign investors alongside the local investors.

Korean renowned industrial group Youngone Corporation conducts its operations at the KEPZ.

The foreign investors during their visit to the KEPZ, wanted to know about the investment portfolio of the Youngone Group, its produced commodities, export volume, employment and the barriers towards foreign investment.

Developed and managed by Youngone Corporation, a pioneer in Bangladesh's textile and apparel sector, KEPZ reflects global best practices in industrial development and sustainability.

The zone is committed to high-tech industrial development, with 48 green-certified factories spanning 7 million square feet, alongside advanced logistics and warehouse facilities.

Strategically located, KEPZ is positioned along the left bank of the Karnaphuli River, just a 15-minute drive from Chattogram's Shah Amanat International Airport via the Karnaphuli Tunnel. Spanning 2,492 acres, it is the country's largest privately owned and eco-friendly export processing zone.

Through extensive reforestation efforts, Youngone has transformed what was once barren land into a thriving green industrial space, reinforcing its commitment to environmental conservation and world-class operational standards.

The employees in those factories, developed through foreign investments, also expressed their immense satisfaction over the workplace before the local and foreign investors.

Upon the arrival of the investors at the KEPZ, Kihak Sung, the Chairman of South Korean industrial giant Youngone Corporation, received the team and accompanied as well during their inspection at KEPZ.

Highly appreciating the current interim government's efforts, Chairman of Youngone Corporation and a pioneer in Bangladesh's Readymade Garments (RMG) and textile sectors, Sung urged the visiting foreign investors to consider Bangladesh as their future investment destination.

“You can count on this new administration in Bangladesh,” he told the foreign investors, stressing that the interim government is truly serious about ensuring all the facilities for the investors.

Kihak Sung said that many governments in the past sought Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) but the current administration is acting in a very effective way.

He invited the foreign investors to invest in the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Anowara and beyond taking the advantages that the country offers.

Encouraging the investors to invest in Bangladesh, he said Bangladesh is a very resilient country.

Responding to a question of a Chinese investor on the main barrier towards foreign investment in Bangladesh, Sung said although administrative complexities are there, but Bangladesh is one of the best destinations for profitable investments.

Kihak Sung also noted that his company has continuously expanded investment and business here in Bangladesh due to such reasons.

Meanwhile, during the visit of the investors at KEPZ, BIDA experts made a multi-media presentation before the potential entrepreneurs exhibiting the existing investment facilities of KEPZ.

Bangladesh is hosting the global investors and top executives at the Summit aiming to spotlight the country's evolving investment landscape, poised for transformative opportunities and unprecedented growth.

Global investment leaders, executives and industry pioneers will engage in discussion as Bangladesh redefines the future of investment in one of the world’s most dynamic markets in Dhaka until April 10.​

 

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Bangladesh opens 4-day summit amid hopes of boosting FDI

The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 kicked off in Dhaka on Monday marking a milestone event aimed at reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic progress, investment-friendly policies, and sustainable growth. At the opening session of Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025, Tanveer Ali, Chai

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh opens 4-day summit amid hopes of boosting FDI
UNB
Published :
Apr 07, 2025 14:03
Updated :
Apr 07, 2025 14:03

The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 kicked off in Dhaka on Monday marking a milestone event aimed at reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic progress, investment-friendly policies, and sustainable growth.

At the opening session of Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025, Tanveer Ali, Chairman of Constellation Asset Management Company Ltd, delivered the keynote address.

The session featured a high-level plenary moderated by Sadia Haque, Co-Founder and CEO of Sharetrip, with panelists including Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA; Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, ICT Division; Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank; Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Secretary of the Finance Division; and Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division and Chairman of Startup Bangladesh Ltd.

The summit seeks to present a “genuine view” of Bangladesh to global investors by showcasing real stories of investment opportunities across various sectors, according to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Delegations from China, the UK, the US, Singapore, South Korea, and India are among the international participants attending the summit, organisers said.

Key global figures participating include Baroness Rosie Winterton, UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh; Jarno Syrjälä, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Inditex; Mike Orgill, Senior Director of Public Policy & Government Relations, APAC at Uber; Kyeongsu Lee, Vice President of Samsung C&T; Jon Omund Revhaug, Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Asia; and Han Jun-seokt, CEO of Giordano Korea.

On the opening day, a delegation of investors visited the Korean Export Processing Zone. They will also visit Mirsarai Economic Zone in Chattogram.

On April 8, participants will tour the Japanese Economic Zone in Araihazar.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will join the summit as chief guest on April 9.

Additional highlights include a matchmaking session and a roundtable discussion on global best practices in investment.

Key partners for the event include the UNDP, FCDO, Grameenphone, the World Bank, and FICCI—underscoring the collaborative push to drive foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh.

An agreement is set to be signed with NASA during the summit, and five domestic and international investors will be honored for their contributions.

Over 550 top-level officials from more than 40 countries, including Bangladesh, are participating in the event, converging to explore opportunities, share innovative ideas, and celebrate milestones in the country’s investment landscape.​

 

[Saif]

https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/govt-goes-big-woo-global-investors-3865481

Govt goes big to woo global investors
Four-day investment summit kicks off in Dhaka

Photo: CA Press Wing

The four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 kicked off yesterday with the view to shining a spotlight on the country's evolving investment landscape to global investors.

As part of the summit, a 60-member delegation from 25 countries was shown the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) and National Special Economic Zone to showcase the manufacturing facilities in the country.

Kihak Sung, chairman of Youngone Corporation, which manages KEPZ, said that as a private organisation, it can move very quickly.

"We are accountable only to our management, not constrained by multiple layers of bureaucracy. This makes our operations more efficient," he said.

He also cited a successful partnership with a global storage company, where Youngone built facilities at its own cost to accommodate the investor, in an example of proactive investment facilitation that built long-term business ties.

Looking ahead, Sung emphasised the need for joint efforts between the government, financial institutions, and private enterprises to expand value-added exports, especially in the apparel sector.

He expressed confidence that Bangladesh could outperform regional competitors in attracting and retaining foreign investment.

After visiting the EPZs in Chattogram, Yasser Amit, chairman and chief executive officer of Evision Group and ImatrixUSA Inc, expressed strong interest in investing in renewable energy and semiconductors in Bangladesh.

"We are exploring solar and power projects in several economic zones. We also see great potential in developing the semiconductor industry here provided there is robust infrastructure and supportive policy," said Amit, a New York-based non-resident Bangladeshi.

Kaniz, director of marketing development at China State Construction, expressed interest in Bangladesh's progress, citing the success of existing foreign ventures.

She plans to report back to her headquarters but acknowledged that final investment decisions would take time. She also flagged the need for more clarity on utility and infrastructure services.

The low labour costs are an attractive proposition, said Kevin Wu of Mega Rich Industries (HK).

Jack He, managing director of MYSKY, praised Bangladesh's affordable labour market, but he remained undecided due to limited knowledge about long-term business prospects and foreign investment regulations.

Addressing the delegation, Abdulla Al Faruque, project director of the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ), outlined the benefits offered by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, including land allocation, tax holidays and full profit repatriation.

He highlighted the NSEZ's strategic location across Mirsarai, Sitakunda and Sonagazi, covering 33,800 acres with strong road, port, and air connectivity.

BEZA's one-stop service centre currently offers 60 online services to ease the process of setting up and operating businesses, Faruque said, adding that the zone is targeting industries such as garments, steel, leather, electronics and agro-processing.

Over at Intercontinental Dhaka, there were three sessions to highlight the country's start-up ecosystem in a programme titled "Bangladesh Startup Connect". About 1,500 delegates attended the sessions.

The government is creating an ecosystem to make business operations in Bangladesh much easier, said Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

"What we need to probably continue to focus on as an investment promotion agency of the government is how we create that bridge between the assets we have in the country and the potential liquidity that is available globally," he said at the opening session.

Not just cheap and trainable labourers, Bangladesh's utility services are cheaper than in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia, he said.

BIDA is not expecting investments straight away since the summit has been organised to build confidence among investors.

"Sometimes investors express interest, but until the investment is delivered, there is no bridge between the government and the investors, resulting in low confidence among them," Ashik said.

"We will keep track of all of them individually," he added.

There were three start-up investment announcements on the first day, said Faiz Ahmad Taiyab, special assistant to the chief adviser for the ICT Division.

The first announcement was made by Incepta, which will invest $1 million through youth summits and universities as either equity finance, grants or loans.

Besides, the Bangladesh Bank has announced two funds of Tk 800 crore and Tk 400 crore for start-ups, he said, adding that the central bank has been adopting a policy that will remove the obstacles for accessing funds by start-ups.

In addition, there was a positive note on mobilising funds from the budgetary support of JICA as a fund of funds -- an investment vehicle that holds shares in other funds rather than in individual securities or private assets.​

 

[Saif]

https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/bangladesh-has-significant-investment-potential-experts-3866031

Bangladesh has significant investment potential: experts

Experts attend a session titled ‘Startup Connect 2025’ on the sidelines of Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 at InterContinental Dhaka yesterday. Photo: Md Zahidur Rabbi

Bangladesh has significant potential for investment but poor infrastructure, lack of access to finance and regulatory hurdles in the country remain concerns, according to businesspeople at Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025.

The event, being held on the sidelines of the Bangladesh Investment Summit, began yesterday, with the aim of showcasing local startups, fostering cross-border collaborations, and unlocking new investment opportunities.

Tanveer Ali, chairman of Constellation Asset Management Company Ltd, delivered the keynote at the opening ceremony.

Ali emphasised on the country's investment potential by highlighting its young workforce, strategic location, and increasing access to technology.

This was followed by a plenary session moderated by Sadia Haque, co-founder and CEO of Sharetrip.

The panel included notable speakers, including Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of Bida, Ahsan H Mansur, governor of the Bangladesh Bank, and Shish Haider Chowdhury, secretary of the ICT Division.

The session addressed the government's role in facilitating the growth of the local startups through policy initiatives and also touched on the challenges faced by new businesses, such as access to finance and regulatory hurdles.

The session concluded with the launch of the Infusion Partners Fund introduced by Abdul Muktadir, founder of Incepta Pharma, with the aim of accelerating startup growth in the country.

The second panel of the day, moderated by Mirza Salman Hossain Beg, founder and CEO of Stealth Startup, focused on why investors should consider Bangladesh.

Rahat Ahmed, founder of Anchorless Bangladesh, and Oussama Glilah, director at Razor Capital, highlighted the country's untapped market potential in sectors such as technology, consumer goods, and healthcare.

The panellists noted that while Bangladesh's investment climate is improving, challenges such as a lack of infrastructure and limited access to venture capital remain concerns.

Following the discussion, a session moderated by Sarah Iqbal, head of Impact Partners at SAJIDA Foundation, explored how businesses can position themselves to attract investment.

Craig Bristol Dixon, general partner at Accelerating Asia, emphasized the need for startups to demonstrate scalability and a long-term vision to secure investor confidence.

The next panel, moderated by Sadia Hossain, director at YY Ventures, examined how the fundraising landscape is evolving. It also discussed the challenges startups face when seeking capital and pointed out the increasing role of alternative funding sources, such as crowdfunding and strategic partnerships.

Shahir Chowdhury, founder and CEO of Shikho, in another keynote explained how educational technology (EdTech) can play a pivotal role in addressing Bangladesh's educational challenges.

He outlined how technology can bridge gaps in the education system, enabling greater access to learning and improving outcomes for the country's youth.

A following panel, moderated by Ayman Sadiq, founder and CEO of 10 Minute School, delved deeper into the potential of the EdTech market in Bangladesh.

The discussion featured key players, such as Sarim Aziz from Meta and Fahim Mashroor of BDjobs.com, who explored how technology can not only enhance education, but also create new jobs in the sector.

The panel highlighted the need for public-private partnerships to scale EdTech initiatives and provide sustainable solutions to the education crisis.

More than a thousand people had gathered on the event's opening day, including founders, CEOs, high ranking officials, investors and more.

"The experience is unworldly to be frank. We have met with a lot of investors here. Normally it would take us one or two years to meet with so many investors," said Md Abdur Rashid Sohag, founder and CEO of Pupil School Bus.

"Some of the investors even invited us to some personal events, where we will get opportunities to make detailed pitches," he added.

Later in a press briefing, Bida Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said the feedback on the first day of the event was very good.

He mentioned that this was the perfect event for investors and startups as they have to work together for improving the startup ecosystem.

"Over 25 venture capitalists got to see the startups today," Chowdhury said.

Regarding Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, he after getting Bida's approval, the company sent an application to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission for approval yesterday.​

 

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Note: BEKO (from the last video) is a Swedish High quality white goods (appliances) manufacturer

 

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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.​