Global giants back Bangladesh’s $1b+ investment vision
Muhammad Ayub Ali :
Bangladesh has opened a new chapter of investment opportunities for the global business community through its four-day Investment Summit 2025, which concluded on Thursday.
The high-profile event underscored the country’s immense investment potential, setting the groundwork for a strategic pipeline and roadmap through to 2035-with a strong emphasis on engaging and empowering the younger generation.
The summit drew an overwhelming response from foreign investors, who expressed strong interest in key sectors such as consumer goods, textiles, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, renewable energy, e-commerce, agro-processing, and healthcare.
A series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the conference, with more currently in progress, highlighting ongoing momentum.
For the first time in the nation’s history, the summit welcomed participants from a record 40 countries, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.
Notable corporate attendees included LafargeHolcim, Handa Industries, and leading international firms such as Inditex Group, DP World, Giordano, and Exceler Energy, alongside senior policymakers and top domestic business executives.
A visiting South Korean business delegation has pledged significant investment in Bangladesh. Spanish fashion giant Inditex, cement manufacturer LafargeHolcim, and Chinese apparel manufacturer Handa Industries have each announced expansion plans.
Handa Industries Limited has committed to investing $150 million-with $100 million allocated to textile and dyeing operations in an economic zone and $50 million earmarked for garment manufacturing in an export processing zone. The investment is projected to create 15,000 jobs.
Swedish firm Nilorn will invest $13 million in the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ).
Meanwhile, the New Development Bank (NDB), founded by the BRICS nations, has indicated plans to invest $1 billion in Bangladesh within the year.
In a landmark agreement, Bangladesh has signed a cooperation pact with NASA for future space exploration initiatives.
A tripartite MoU has been inked between H&M, PRAN-RFL, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to generate 100 megawatts of renewable electricity, supporting Bangladesh’s green energy ambitions.
In an effort to bolster entrepreneurship, Bangladesh Bank has announced a special fund of BDT 1,200 crore (approximately $110 million) dedicated to financing emerging entrepreneurs.
Local industrial conglomerate Incepta has declared a $1 million investment to support the country’s growing startup ecosystem.
UK Trade Envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton expressed the United Kingdom’s interest in fostering long-term partnerships in Bangladesh’s healthcare and education sectors, particularly through training and technology transfer.
China’s Minister of Commerce is scheduled to visit Bangladesh next month, accompanied by a delegation of 200 investors to explore new opportunities. Several Chinese firms have expressed strong interest in investing in the Chinese Economic Zone in Chittagong and the proposed Chinese Economic Zone in Mongla.
Investment interests also span into high-tech areas including electric vehicles, lithium-ion battery manufacturing, and renewable energy projects such as offshore solar and wind turbine generation.
DP World Group has signalled interest in establishing a Free Trade Zone in Matarbari, which would significantly enhance Bangladesh’s logistics infrastructure.
Hasan Mohin Chartered Accountants, with support from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), signed five MoUs-comprising one tripartite and four bilateral agreements-with a range of stakeholders including Universal Medical College Hospital, Beacon Pharmaceuticals, Entrepreneur Group, JPG Investment, and others. These agreements are expected to unlock new investment flows in Bangladesh’s healthcare, finance, and technology sectors.
A key MoU was signed between BIDA and Quest Water Global Inc., a US-based water solutions company. Under this agreement, Quest will develop drinking water treatment plants across major urban centres, including Dhaka, improving public access to safe and clean drinking water.
In addition, two UAE-based companies signed separate MoUs to invest over $100 million in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. This includes the construction of a state-of-the-art cancer hospital, which will address critical healthcare infrastructure needs.