[🇧🇩] The U.S.A.---A Strategic Partner of Bangladesh

[🇧🇩] The U.S.A.---A Strategic Partner of Bangladesh
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Govt, AmCham to work together to attract additional $5.0 billion US investment in five years


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The government and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) will work together to attract an additional $5.0 billion in US investment into Bangladesh over the next five years, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said.

"The government is fully prepared to work closely with US institutions to boost investment, create employment, transfer technology, and expand economic opportunities in Bangladesh," he said.

He made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at the 30th anniversary celebration of AmCham Bangladesh, held at Radisson Blu Water Garden ballroom in the capital on Saturday.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen, AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President Alauddin Azad, former presidents, current and former executive committee members, officials from various ministries, business leaders, and media personnel were present at the event.

The Commerce Minister stated that over the past three decades, AmCham has played a vital role in developing economic relations between Bangladesh and the United States, serving as an effective bridge between the government and the private sector.

Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the US currently exceeds $13 billion.

However, the minister noted that this relationship extends beyond trade statistics, as US institutions contribute significantly to Bangladesh's development through investment, technology, employment, knowledge, and global best practices.

He informed that AmCham member institutions have invested over $5.0 billion in Bangladesh and contribute more than 20 per cent to the national revenue, reflecting the confidence of US businesses in the Bangladeshi economy.

He added that during a recent meeting with the Prime Minister, AmCham leaders expressed their intent to bring an additional $5.0 billion in US investment over the next five years, assuring that the government will provide necessary cooperation to realize this initiative.

"When any genuine business issue is brought to us, my ministry and the government will try their utmost to find realistic solutions," the minister assured.

Citing an example, he mentioned 'Corteva Bangladesh', an AmCham member firm, noting that a complexity regarding its industrial and commercial license was resolved within a month through government initiative.

Describing Bangladesh as a country with vast investment potential, he highlighted its strategic location, young and skilled workforce, large domestic market, and strong potential across sectors including technology, digital innovation, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services.

However, noting that opportunities alone are not enough to attract investment, he emphasised that investors require predictability, ease of doing business, efficient trade facilitation, and a stable policy framework.

The government is working to simplify business processes, increase digitalisation, expand trade facilitation, and create a more investment-friendly environment.

Regarding future economic ties, the Commerce Minister expressed hope that the next chapter of the Bangladesh-US economic partnership will be even more promising, with more US firms investing in Bangladesh, modern technology and global expertise being integrated, and access for Bangladeshi products and services to the US market expanding further.

Achieving this goal, he noted, requires a strong partnership among the government, business community, investors, development partners, and organisations like AmCham.

Describing AmCham's 30th anniversary as an opportunity to create new future possibilities, the minister urged everyone to work together for more trade, investment, innovation, new jobs, and a stronger, lasting economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States.​
 

US keen on investing in Bangladesh’s LNG storage and regasification sectors


The release further said the commerce minister supported increasing US investment in Bangladesh, ensuring transparency in major infrastructure projects and making the business environment more conducive to investment.

Special Correspondent
Dhaka

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US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen (R) calls on Bangladesh's Commerce, Industry, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the FBCCI office in Motijheel, Dhaka, on 7 September 2026

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen (R) calls on Bangladesh's Commerce, Industry, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the FBCCI office in Motijheel, Dhaka, on 7 September 2026Courtesy: Commerce Ministry.

The United States is interested in investing in floating LNG terminals, or Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) projects, in Bangladesh.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen has stressed the importance of ensuring a transparent and competitive environment for implementing such projects.

The ambassador expressed the interest during a meeting with Commerce, Industry, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the FBCCI (Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry) office in Motijheel, Dhaka, on Monday.

Industry Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, Commerce Ministry Joint Secretary Md Mustafizur Rahman and US Embassy Economic Chief Angelo Palazzello were also present at the meeting. The Commerce Ministry disclosed the information in a press release issued after the meeting.

According to the release, referring to the FSRU project, the US ambassador said maintaining a transparent and competitive environment for major infrastructure projects would further boost foreign investors’ confidence.

He said US companies were highly interested in working in Bangladesh and stressed the importance of giving them an opportunity to compete on an open and equal footing.

In response, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said proposals from US companies would be given the highest priority if they could implement FSRU projects quickly and demonstrate their capacity to ensure supply.

If they could offer an effective supply plan within a shorter timeframe, their position in the competition would be further strengthened, he added.

The release further said the commerce minister supported increasing US investment in Bangladesh, ensuring transparency in major infrastructure projects and making the business environment more conducive to investment.

The meeting also discussed expanding bilateral trade, partnership in the energy sector and recent policy reforms.

Bangladesh has decided to import a total of 117 LNG cargoes, or shiploads of LNG, from the United States over 13 years, from 2026 to 2038.

US Ambassador Brent T Christensen described the agreement with international LNG supplier Gunvor USA LLC as a positive step towards energy cooperation.

According to the release, the commerce minister also raised with the ambassador the government’s decision to scrap the previous requirement for foreign companies to appoint local agents when purchasing strategic equipment.

He said the move had restored transparency to the procurement process by creating opportunities to deal directly with manufacturers and had curbed the influence of middlemen. The government was working with the protection of national interests as its highest priority in every case, he said.

The US ambassador praised several positive changes in the new import policy. However, he said some provisions of the policy could be made more business-friendly.

In response, the commerce minister said the import policy was an ongoing process. Necessary reforms were being reviewed regularly to ensure that the policy remained aligned with market conditions and economic realities.​
 

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