Staff Reporter :
The recent decisions by the US government regarding tariffs will not impact the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, according to Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
“I do not foresee any negative effects at all. We believe significant progress can be made in improving the overall investment climate. Our competitors are in the same position as us.
Our direction of travel will likely align with theirs. I am not concerned,” he said during a media briefing on Sunday at the Foreign Service Academy.
BIDA Executive Chairman also noted, “Investment decisions are long-term; a small change will not alter these decisions overnight.”
The briefing, which highlighted various aspects of the four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, was attended by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 will bring together global investors and top executives to showcase the country’s evolving investment landscape, positioning it for transformative opportunities and unprecedented growth.
Leading investment figures and industry pioneers will engage in discussions about Bangladesh’s future in the investment sector.
During the Summit, the Chief Adviser will present five awards in different categories: Local Investor, Foreign Investor, Sustainability Investment, Innovation Investment, and Foreign Investor.
The main event will take place at a city hotel on 9 April, with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in attendance.
Chowdhury also referred to a report from the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) regarding Bangladesh’s investment situation, which suggested reforms in areas such as customs duty, corruption, and intellectual property protection.
He confirmed that these reforms are being pursued, and there is a strong desire to see significant changes in the investment sector to make doing business in Bangladesh easier.
“We will be able to implement some reforms based on this momentum, which will be beneficial for Bangladesh,” he added. “Personally, I believe the US push is a positive signal, and we will take this opportunity to foster a better investment climate in the future.”
Regarding the energy supply deficit, the BIDA Chairman mentioned that the government is already planning a special gas supply for industries. “Energy supply for industry should be prioritised,” he remarked.
He also emphasised that Bangladesh is keen to hear from foreign investors on their perspectives of the country’s investment climate and how it can be further improved.
As domestic investors are key drivers, prominent businessman Syed Nasim Manzur will also speak, as the government seeks to gather local investors’ views.
