[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Investment Summit

[Saif]

Foreign investment pipeline created thru summit: BIDA

A foreign investment pipeline has been created for the country through Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority...

www.newagebd.net

Foreign investment pipeline created thru summit: BIDA
Staff Correspondent 10 April, 2025, 23:10

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority business development head Nahian Rahman Rochi, executive member Shah Mohammad Mahbub, BEZA director general Doyananda Debnath and chief adviser’s deputy press secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder are present at a press conference at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital Dhaka on Thursday. | BSS photo

A foreign investment pipeline has been created for the country through Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.

BIDA’s Business Development Department head Nahian Rahman made the remark at the closing press conference of the summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in the capital on Thursday.

He also said that the BIDA will maintain continuous communications and monitoring with the company that proposed or promised to invest in Bangladesh.

Responding to a question about whether the government has taken steps to address investors› concerns about resolving bureaucratic complications, he said that earlier, there were bureaucratic complexities due to a large number of ministers and state ministers.

However, with an advisory panel of 24-25 advisers, the issues have been centralised, and they are trying to resolve the bureaucratic complexities.

He said that the investors have reported several problems, including access to resources, continuity of policies, and corruption in broad strokes, and they are working to resolve these problems.

He also said that the BIDA will make an 18–24-month roadmap based on the summit.

‘Investors usually take 18 to 24 months to formalise the investment process. We will contact them after assessing each proposal.’

He disclosed that there were 550 registrations here, and about 400-450 foreign investors participated in the summit.

‘We will share information the complete amount of investment and total number of the participating investors soon in a press conference,’ he added.

He also said that the government offices and the NBR are sluggish, and they are taking steps for inter-ministerial coordination to solve these complexities.

In response to another question, he said Chinese farm Handa Industries signed a deal to invest $150 million in the summit. Moreover, ShopUp also received an investment of $110 million.

‘We will announce the total number of investment proposals received in the summit soon,’ he added.

In the summit, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association and HSBC organised a session titled ‘Apparel & Textiles’.

In the session, Kihak Sung, chairman and CEO of Youngone, presented the keynote titled ‘Bangladesh Moving Forward: Through an Investor’s Lens’.

The session featured expert panel discussions on two critical themes: sustainability and export infrastructure.

Kihak Sung said that Bangladesh can become the world›s leading garment exporter if it can implement the right strategies and reforms.

‘Bangladesh is the second largest garment exporter in the world as a single country. To reach the top position, Bangladesh will have to upgrade its technology and upscale its workers,’ he added.

He also said that Bangladesh has to produce high-value products to survive in the market in the coming days.

He also said that three-month pause on the Trump-era tariff policy has brought some relief and the government must take proactive steps in this regard.

BGMEA administrator Md Anwar Hossain also spoke at the event.

Meanwhile, in partnership with BIDA and UNDP, Citi NA organised A Digital Economy session.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, policy adviser for the ICT Division, gave the keynote presentation during the session.

He said the government was reforming policies to boost the digital economy and preparing the Cyber Security Ordinance, Personal Data Protection Act, Semiconductor Policy, and National Artificial Intelligence Policy.

Md Mainul Haque, country officer of City NA, said Bangladesh can achieve great success through the digital economy even with little capital.

Rujan Sarwar, head of public policy for Meta, Bangladesh, and Nepal, said small entrepreneurs can expand their businesses through advertising on Meta›s Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, Abdul Samad Dawood, CEO of Engro Holdings of Pakistan, met with chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to discuss investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

During the meeting, the Engro CEO expressed a strong interest in expanding the company›s footprint in Bangladesh, particularly telecommunications and energy.

Moreover, on Thursday, the final day of the Bangladesh Investment Summit, BIDA, UNDP, and ILO organised a roundtable on leveraging the nexus between trade, investment, governance, and responsible business conduct for decent work.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh has potential to become digital powerhouse

Bangladesh has all the potential to position itself as a rising digital powerhouse through the development of one of the top-tier e-governments and by increasing ICT exports and cultivating a tech-savvy workforce, said experts yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh has potential to become digital powerhouse
Experts say at Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025

Bangladesh has all the potential to position itself as a rising digital powerhouse through the development of one of the top-tier e-governments and by increasing ICT exports and cultivating a tech-savvy workforce, said experts yesterday.

They said backed by a youthful population, competitive costs, and ongoing progressive policy reforms, the country is drawing increased attention from global investors in sectors ranging from fintech and semiconductors to digital services.

The remarks came at a session on "Digital Economy" on the sidelines of Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 organised by Citi in partnership with Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Dhaka.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser with executive authority of posts, telecom and ICT, said the government was prioritising "Digital Public Infrastructure" (DPI) by first establishing a strong legal and regulatory foundation.

He said a revised "Cyber Safety Ordinance"—focused on protecting democratic values and human rights—was set to be published soon, alongside a new "Personal Data Protection Act" under a data governance authority.

Emphasis is being placed on AI and cloud-first policies, fibre liberalisation, internet cost reduction, and flexible licensing to remove barriers to digital growth. The government also plans to introduce a national electronic ID system for authentication, he said.

He said committed to supporting innovation and investment, the government seeks employment creation from businesses in return. All policy support—electricity, internet, land, and tax reforms—will be provided to foster a thriving digital economy, he said.

Ruzan Sarwar, head of public policy for Bangladesh and Nepal at Meta, emphasised the importance of creating a balanced regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding data privacy.

She underscored Meta's support for smart regulation, urging governments to engage with tech industry experts when drafting legislation.

Highlighting the drawbacks of Bangladesh's past punitive "stick" approach, she called for a more attractive, incentive-based "carrot" model to draw in global companies.

Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman, reflecting on the mobile company's 28-year journey, emphasised how Telenor's first Asian investment has grown into Bangladesh's leading telecom company.

The company has contributed over Tk 1.3 trillion to the national exchequer in direct and indirect taxes since inception and empowered millions, he said.

He highlighted real-life stories—from a young girl in a tea garden continuing her education with shared digital access, to a rural designer using YouTube to run a micro-business, and a mango farmer now exporting to Germany.

These stories, he argued, embody the transformative power of digital inclusion.

Azman stressed that true return on investment comes when businesses empower communities through connectivity, innovation, and responsible practices.

He also said the government's commitment was to make policies more business-friendly, which would invite global investors to join Bangladesh's journey of transformation.

Emphasising the youth potential, demographic strength, and regulatory reforms, he urged investors to look beyond challenges and believe in the possibilities.

Kamal Quadir, founder and CEO of bKash, reflected on the company's 15-year journey, emphasising its impact on 80 million customers.

He also spoke about Bangladesh's vibrant spirit and social mobilisation, noting that despite many challenges, people here remain hopeful and driven. This energy fuels bKash's mission daily, he said.

He said bKash leveraged mobile connectivity to deliver inclusive financial services.

Traditional banking models, he argued, were not designed for the unbanked to adopt banking services easily, but mobile infrastructure allowed for personalised, low-cost financial solutions.

He also highlighted the central bank's pivotal role in enabling bKash through forward-thinking regulation, ensuring the protection of customers' money and the viability of the fund.

With 350,000 agents nationwide, bKash has built a grassroots network where 77 percent of revenue is shared with local agents and distributors, incentivising their commitment, he said.

Quadir acknowledged the challenges of managing vast cash flows and said bKash was confident in its mission to bring secure, accessible financial services to every corner of Bangladesh—turning a simple idea into a transformative force.​

 

[Saif]

A turning point for investment—if we can seize it

Both broad reforms and targeted interventions are necessary

www.thedailystar.net

A turning point for investment—if we can seize it
Both broad reforms and targeted interventions are necessary

VISUAL: STAR

We're heartened by the successful conclusion of Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 that reportedly drew in some 450 foreign investors and representatives from 40 countries. During the four-day event, two investment deals were signed, while many pledged future investments. The government has rightly expressed its intent to capitalise on the momentum. As per the organisers, a "pipeline" of potential investments will be created based on the companies and individuals who have shown interest, and a roadmap with a timeframe of 18-24 months will be drawn up to ensure the summit's promises translate into real, long-term gains. It goes without saying that the success of this much-hyped event will be determined by how well the authorities can follow through. The challenge is not just to concretise the investment commitments, but also to uphold the post-July economic reform agenda to create an enabling environment for sustainable growth.

In this connection, we want to reiterate the importance of addressing long-standing barriers to doing business that have been repeatedly flagged by experts. While there are sector-specific concerns and vulnerabilities—such as those affecting the RMG industry, which just survived (temporarily) a tariff scare triggered by the US—barriers cutting across all sectors must be addressed with priority. Participants at the summit, for instance, raised concerns about policy inconsistency, political instability, corruption, bureaucratic red tape, lack of coordination, crises of gas and electricity, and complex approval procedures. Some of these were also reflected in a recently unveiled World Bank report that highlighted Bangladesh's top five business obstacles, including its inefficient tax structure and informal economy. Many of these problems require political commitment, so political parties, too, must step up in creating the kind of environment investors need.

The fact is, Bangladesh has significant investment potential but it cannot be fully realised without addressing these underlying challenges. While the interim government's efforts in this regard have borne some fruit, much more needs to be done. At the same time, we must acknowledge the promise shown of late by some sectors. For instance, in its report, the World Bank identified four sectors—green RMG, housing for middle-class families, paint and dyes, and digital financial services—as ripe for reform. These sectors, it argues, are mature and politically feasible enough to be restructured in ways that could create millions of jobs, draw investments, and spark a ripple effect of productivity in interconnected sectors. Among them, the RMG industry deserves particular mention. As the founder of the Korean EPZ said at the summit, if overhauled and properly supported, it could become the top global apparel exporter even as we try to diversify our export basket.

To capitalise on all such promises, we need sustained efforts from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) as well as targeted interventions and broad reforms from higher authorities. The recent summit was an attempt to dispel the negative perceptions many foreign investors still hold about our investment climate because of past experiences. We can project a new, reformed image through our actions going forward.​

 

[Saif]

Investors interested in Bangladesh despite business hurdles

Although Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest exporter of readymade garments, it continues to struggle with major challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, cumbersome bureaucracy and murky regulations.

www.thedailystar.net

Investors interested in Bangladesh despite business hurdles
German denim maker says they’re here to stay and grow

You can have the best factory in the north, but if you can't get your goods out to the port efficiently, it simply doesn't work. Infrastructure must improve.

— Thomas Koning CEO of Ospig GmbH

Although Bangladesh is the world's second-largest exporter of readymade garments, it continues to struggle with major challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, cumbersome bureaucracy and murky regulations.

Still, these obstacles haven't scared off global investors. On the contrary, many, including those from Germany, are taking an even keener interest.

One such investor is Thomas Koning, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ospig GmbH, a German firm specialising in jeans and casual wear.

Speaking to The Daily Star on the sidelines of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, Koning was frank about the barriers international businesses often face in the country.

Yet he also expressed a growing confidence in Bangladesh's shifting policy landscape and, above all, in its people.

"You can have the best factory in the north, but if you can't get your goods out to the port efficiently, it simply doesn't work. Infrastructure must improve," he said, pulling no punches.

Despite these concerns, Koning made his position clear by saying that Ospig is not going anywhere.

"The speeches we heard, particularly from the CEO of Inditex and the chief adviser of the interim government, were deeply encouraging. They have given us hope that positive changes are not only coming, they are already underway," he added.

He said that political stability was the foremost concern for foreign investors, and he believed Bangladesh was on the right track.

"What we need is stability. And we see it coming. We already held bilateral meetings here with members of the interim government. I must say, we have a very positive impression. They are focused on what truly matters at this moment," Koning said.

When asked what could accelerate foreign direct investment (FDI), he was direct. "The most important thing is to reduce bureaucratic red tape," said the German investor.

"International investors like us need a clear, streamlined structure. Talking to multiple departments for one project slows things down. We need simplicity, transparency and efficiency," he said.

According to Koning, his company has already urged the government to maintain policy consistency and adopt key reforms to unlock the country's human potential fully.

Even with optimism in the air, logistical headaches remain, particularly those tied to infrastructure.

"If you run a factory near Dhaka and want to export to Europe, you need to go through Chattogram. It's just 270 kilometres, but it takes ten hours by truck. That's not viable. There are at least 16 bottlenecks along the way," he said.

He pointed out that relying on a single port makes overseas trade far more difficult than it is supposed to be.

To support Bangladesh's ambitions of becoming a manufacturing hub beyond garments, Koning said the country must urgently invest in infrastructure and enforce its laws more rigorously.

However, one key strength lies in its people. "We've had a factory here for 30 years. We know the people. They are eager to learn, hardworking, and often well-educated," he said.

"In many countries, finding skilled manpower is tough. But in Bangladesh, you have both the numbers and the mindset. That's your biggest potential," he added.

Ospig GmbH has been operating in Bangladesh since the mid-1990s, supplying denim and casual wear to leading fashion brands worldwide.

The company's renewed commitment sends a strong signal about growing global confidence in Bangladesh's industrial prospects and investment ecosystem.

Koning said that the company plans to expand its operations further. "Yes, we have already invested millions in the garment sector here. And yes, we are planning further investments within the next 12 months," he added.

However, he declined to reveal the exact figures, saying they depended on several factors.

He did mention that Ospig is currently calculating costs for sourcing new machinery from Spain, Italy and Türkiye.

Koning also believes Bangladesh's potential reaches well beyond textiles, especially in high-tech manufacturing.

"We visited the Walton Group's factory. They are producing high-tech products like refrigerators, mobile phones, and solar systems," he said.

"We also saw a bicycle assembly plant. These visits showed us that Bangladesh is capable of more. Not just pharmaceuticals, but even machinery for the global market," he added.

"We participated in the summit with expectations, and we are leaving with conviction. Bangladesh is ready, and so are we," he commented.​

 

[Saif]

Investment Summit yields initial investment proposals worth Tk 31 billion

The ‘Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025’ has created immense potential to bring Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) side by side with local investment. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Au

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Investment Summit yields initial investment proposals worth Tk 31 billion
BSS
Published :
Apr 13, 2025 21:04
Updated :
Apr 13, 2025 21:08

The ‘Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025’ has created immense potential to bring Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) side by side with local investment.

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), came up with the statement at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital's Bailey Road area on Sunday.

“Time will tell whether the Investment Summit has been successful. The summit has yielded initial investment proposals worth Tk 31 billion. Several additional investment proposals are currently in the pipeline,” he said.

The BIDA chief highlighted the success of the Investment Summit, noting that 415 foreign delegates from 50 countries attended the event.

He further, said BEZA will maintain follow-up communications with the attendees to ensure progress along the investment pipeline. He hoped that similar investment events would be organised by future governments as well.

Ashik Chowdhury, however, said the government has cancelled the licenses of 10 economic zones. “I have already said earlier that there is no need for 100 economic zones. Today, the licenses of 10 economic zones have been cancelled. We think that these are not needed," he added.​

 

[Saif]

Investors want to see positive change

If economic growth and creation of jobs for close to the projected 4.0 million unemployed people in Bangladesh in 2025 are to be the primary concern for the policymakers, then the recently held investors' summit in Dhaka bears special significance. That is not to say that the presence of betw

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Investors want to see positive change
SYED FATTAHUL ALIM
Published :
Apr 13, 2025 21:56
Updated :
Apr 13, 2025 21:56

If economic growth and creation of jobs for close to the projected 4.0 million unemployed people in Bangladesh in 2025 are to be the primary concern for the policymakers, then the recently held investors' summit in Dhaka bears special significance. That is not to say that the presence of between 400 and 450 prospective overseas investors at the investment summit organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) would automatically translate into an investment bonanza in the country. Many such investment summits took place in the past, but few overseas business houses finally came forward to risk their money in business ventures here. In fact, holding of investment summits has become a kind of ritual where representatives of foreign companies participate and the events end with big hopes from the government leaders but nothing happens next. Was the just ended business summit like one of such events in the past? Though it is too early to draw any conclusion, there are certain features of the recently-held investment summit that make a difference from the past. It is that the summit took place after a bloody uprising followed by a political change in the country.

More importantly, the post-uprising government is being headed by Dr Muhammad Yunus, who, apart from being a Nobel Peace laureate, is well-known globally for his novel ideas of social change including micro-credit and social business. Obviously, he was a pull factor drawing many of the global business leaders to the event. They definitely wanted to see if under his leadership there is any prospect of positive change in the notoriously complicated and corrupt bureaucracy that is the number one hurdle before any foreign business willing to invest in Bangladesh. But bureaucrats cannot also be singled out as the sole agency of corruption, since the politicians who controlled state power were not angels either. To be fair, the responsibility for the original sin lies with the politicians, for it is they who first lure the government officials into committing corruption. However, once the rot sets in over the years, it becomes hard to say who first led the other up the garden path. But that is again the old, proverbial chicken and egg situation. But if one is to go into the political history of the country during the last one and a half decades, it was an era of violent and frenzied plundering of a nation by its politicians who spared none in their sights to become complicit in their crime, let alone the servants of the state. So, well-meaning foreign investors who had been watching the rampant looting of a nation by its own political class from a distance all these years, were obviously more eager to see how the interim government that assumed power following the changeover was faring in bringing the country back from the brink.

Evidently, the foreign investors were keen to see that some meaningful change was indeed taking place in the system of governance in the country. Definitely, the ongoing reforms in the different sectors of the economy and governance drew their attention. Though some four busy days that they had in hand was hardly enough to reach any conclusion, they could at least get the hang of it. The interim government with its limited mandate, is facing an enormous challenge to get the system back on track, so the country's international development partners as well as the investors both domestic and foreign can first regain their confidence in the system and then take decision about making any investment in the economy. In this connection, one should not be surprised to see that few business houses of global as well as regional repute did instantly commit any major investment. In fact, they would like to see a stable political government in office that is committed to all the reform initiatives undertaken by the incumbent interim government. In that case, one would like to believe that the way the reform measures and other positive initiatives undertaken by the interim government have gained traction in public perception, it would be hard for any future elected government to reverse the trend. Nevertheless, there should be no room for complacency either.

Since the incumbent interim government did not take office out of the existing political party's generosity, there is no reason why it should dither from taking any hard decision about reforms. Even, the political parties would admit in private that they are often so beholden to the narrow interests of their electorates, let alone the vested quarters, that they cannot take hard decisions, even if they wished so. So, those in charge of the incumbent interim government need to understand the felt-need of the masses including politicians, despite what the latter might from time to time say in public, go ahead with the agenda of reform and other changes of radical nature where necessary without hesitation. Since they are not here for eternity, it is important that they have a list of priority so the urgent tasks are performed first. Those obviously include bringing stability in the macroeconomy which means keeping inflation under control, ensuring economic growth by way of employment generation both through public sector spending as well as creating the enabling conditions for the private sector to invest. To this end, facilities like easy credit for the domestic entrepreneurs and ensuring the businesses' access to the state's services with least bureaucracy are the preconditions. In a similar vein, efforts should be on to gradually make the economic activities in the informal sector visible through helping those gain access to the state's resources while at the same time widening the scope of the revenue authority to include them under its net. These measures are a precondition for constant and sustainable economic growth. The fact that inflation, a constant source of headache for both the policymakers and the public, was in the single digit at 9.32 per cent (point-to-point) in February last marking a significant decline in one month from what it was in January last at 9.94 per cent. Arguably it provides a cause for optimism as well as caution. It is believed, when the policymakers and the government officials stop abusing their power to serve theirs or someone else's personal end, things begin to change for the better. The interim government should continue the good work.​

 

[Saif]

Let’s sustain the momentum of the summit

Can we finally deliver on the promises made?

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025
Let’s sustain the momentum of the summit

The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 was a clear signal that the country wants to compete on the global stage. PHOTO: CA PRESS WING

The recently concluded Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, held from April 7 to 10 at the InterContinental Dhaka, sent a strong message: Bangladesh is ready to do business. It was more than just a four-day event—it was a strategic reset for a country navigating new economic realities.

Led by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, the newly appointed executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the summit signalled a new era for Bangladesh's investment outlook—ambitious, reform-minded, and increasingly global. But while the show of confidence and reformist rhetoric was impressive, real-world challenges remain. To understand the full picture, we need to explore both the progress and the persistent obstacles.

There is no denying the scale and ambition of this year's summit. With over 2,300 participants from 50 countries and more than 550 foreign investors in attendance, Bangladesh drew global attention. Delegations from major economies—including China, the US, UK, Japan, Singapore, and India—highlighted growing international interest in the country's economic potential.

One of the more symbolic moments was the live demo of Starlink's satellite internet service, a gesture aimed at signalling that Bangladesh is finally embracing cutting-edge digital infrastructure. It was a small but telling sign that the country is ready to address long-standing bottlenecks like unreliable internet and poor connectivity, which have deterred tech and service-sector investors in the past.

In addition, the summit featured targeted sessions on high-potential sectors: renewable energy, textiles, digital economy, agro-processing, and healthcare. This move toward sectoral diversification was refreshing and necessary. It shows that Bangladesh is moving beyond its traditional reliance on RMG and seeking new engines of growth.

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun brought a different tone to this year's summit. With a background in international finance and strategic planning, his leadership focused on transparency, policy stability, and inclusivity. His decision to engage not just investors but also political stakeholders from various camps was a notable step toward rebuilding trust in Bangladesh's governance ecosystem.

Under his watch, BIDA has signalled that the government is serious about reform. But he has also inherited a system plagued by bureaucratic inefficiencies, outdated regulatory frameworks, and a history of unkept promises. If he can push through real structural changes—not just event-driven fanfare—he could emerge as a transformative figure.

Compared to earlier editions, the 2025 summit marked a clear upgrade—not only in optics but in purpose. Previous summits often felt like grand networking events without a follow-up plan. This one felt more grounded. There was a genuine attempt to confront the past—admitting Bangladesh's lag in ease of doing business and addressing key investor concerns, from tax complexity to logistical bottlenecks.

While such summits often leave a strong first impression, the on-the-ground reality remains difficult for investors. Foreign investors frequently withdraw or delay their commitments due to bureaucratic complexities, inconsistent regulations, political instability, corruption, law and order concerns, unreliable energy supply, inadequate transportation networks, and significant infrastructure gaps.

If Bangladesh is serious about being an FDI hotspot, then the real work begins now. Hosting a summit is the easy part. Reforming entrenched systems? That is where the real challenge lies.

Foreign and domestic investment is not just about GDP figures—it is about job creation, innovation, and long-term growth. With two-thirds of Bangladesh's population in the working-age bracket and about two million people entering the labour force each year, the pressure on the government is immense. Traditional job markets are no longer enough.

This is where foreign direct investment (FDI) can play a transformative role—especially in sectors like power, manufacturing, infrastructure, and tech. But FDI will not come in the volume we need unless we fix the core bottlenecks. The country currently ranks poorly on both the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index and the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index. These metrics matter. Investors use them to judge whether Bangladesh is worth the risk.

And while the government has taken some steps—like the establishment of economic zones and single-window services—most reforms are still on paper or in pilot stages. We need bold implementation, not just bold ideas.

Bangladesh's long-term investment success also depends on political continuity and stability. As we edge closer to the next national election, there is a risk that reform momentum could stall. Dr Muhammad Yunus recently emphasised that the current administration should lay the groundwork for the next elected government to carry forward these positive trends.

This is essential. Investment confidence is built on predictability. Frequent policy shifts, political upheaval, and inconsistent governance can undo years of progress in a matter of months.

The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 was a clear signal that the country wants to compete on the global stage. It showcased ambition, reformist zeal, and a willingness to confront past shortcomings.

But we have seen summits before. We have seen commitments before. The question is: can we finally deliver on the promises made?

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun has made an impressive start. The participation of global investors, the focus on digital infrastructure, and the narrative around inclusive economic growth were all steps in the right direction. But unless backed by serious reform implementation and long-term political commitment, the momentum could fade—just like it did before.

Md Kawsar Uddin is associate professor of Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT).​

 

[Bilal9]

India's transshipment cancellation is a golden opportunity for Bangladesh, says BIDA Chief.

 

[Saif]

Investment summit ushers in a paradigm shift

The four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 concluded recently with a blend of optimism, critical reflections and strong participation from global and local stakeholders. While not every expectation was met, the commitment to delivering a summit of global standards remained at the heart of its e

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Investment summit ushers in a paradigm shift
Md. Sayful Islam
Published :
Apr 15, 2025 22:14
Updated :
Apr 15, 2025 22:14

The four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 concluded recently with a blend of optimism, critical reflections and strong participation from global and local stakeholders. While not every expectation was met, the commitment to delivering a summit of global standards remained at the heart of its execution. Organised on collaborative initiatives by the government, private sector, diplomatic missions, political entities, and development partners, the summit marked an ambitious attempt to project Bangladesh as a credible investment destination --- one that is forward-looking, and ready to engage.

From the outset, the summit sought to showcase the evolving investment climate of Bangladesh. The opening ceremony saw the presence of 710 participants, of which 415 were foreign delegates and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora. These individuals represented an array of stakeholders --- policymakers, business executives, institutional investors, trade bodies and more. The remaining participants included prominent local business leaders, senior government officials and thought leaders, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

The engagement did not stop at the sessions. More than 130 panellists from home and abroad shared their insights into trade, investment, sustainability, infrastructure, fintech, logistics, energy, and other sectors. Crucially, the event facilitated around 150 B2B and B2G meetings -- each designed to bring decision-makers closer to actionable opportunities. This kind of face-to-face dialogue offers the groundwork for future investment. High-profile figures like the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Chairman of the National Board of Revenue, the Special Envoy for International Affairs to Chief Adviser and the Adviser of the Ministry of Commerce and ICT Special Assistant to Chief Adviser, Executive Chairman of BIDA & BEZA were present, ensuring direct government-investor interaction and reinforcing the seriousness of the summit at the venue for direct engagement with investors and institutions especially four high-level delegations from the USA, South Korea , Germany and the New Development Bank.

Among tangible outcomes, six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. Some focused on immediate collaboration --- such as the one with the ILO, while others like Artemis Accords with NASA signalled long-term strategic engagements. Notably, major investment announcements came from Handa Group and Bangladesh's ShopUp, together totalling BDT 31 billion. These early commitments provide a strong signal of market interest and help validate the summit's relevance.

Beyond statistics, perhaps one of the summit's most important achievements was its role in reshaping global perceptions about Bangladesh. Too often, outdated or incomplete data form the basis of investment decisions, pushing countries like Bangladesh out of consideration before a fair assessment even begins. The summit created a platform for real-time, in-person experiences, helping stakeholders to better understand the country's complex realities, ongoing reforms, and untapped potential. In candid discussions and comprehensive field visits including those to Korea EPZ, National Special Economic Zone in Chattogram, Japanese's Economic Zone in Araihazar, EPZs, and local start-ups, participants were exposed to a nuanced and often hopeful narrative of economic transformation. The event was not only about attracting capital but also about demonstrating that Bangladesh has the energy, talent, and vision needed to turn investment into impact.

In the end, this summit was a starting point rather than a conclusion in itself. It marked the beginning of a sustainable process to realign the nation in the international investment arena. It demonstrated that Bangladesh is prepared to engage meaningful discussions about opportunities as well as issues. Beyond the summit's immediate accomplishments what must be recorded are the boldness to hold a meeting, the resolve to proceed and the audacity to hope.

The writer is a deputy director at BIDA​