Business Report :
The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 is set to commence at the InterContinental Dhaka on Monday, unfolding at a pivotal moment when foreign direct investment (FDI) has dropped to a six-year low, raising alarms about the current state of the country’s investment environment.
Chief Adviser Prof Dr. Muhammad Yunus extended a heartfelt invitation to international partners, describing the summit as a timely opportunity to explore Bangladesh’s investment prospects.
“My friends, partners, and esteemed global leaders, it is both an honour and a pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you for the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025,” Yunus stated in his message.
He emphasized the nation’s recent economic transformation, propelled by forward-looking investment policies, and reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a level playing field for all investors.
“Today, Bangladesh distinguishes itself with strong economic fundamentals, competitive resources on a global scale, and some of the highest investment returns in the region.
“This summit opens the door to insightful data and in-depth analysis of Bangladesh’s most promising sectors. Join us to witness the wealth of opportunities our country offers. Let us shape the future of one of the most dynamic economies together.”
Scheduled from April 7 to April 10, the summit aims to attract global investor interest and spotlight Bangladesh’s evolving economic landscape.
Over 550 foreign investors from 50 countries have registered to participate, alongside approximately 2,500 local stakeholders.
Amid political uncertainty, sporadic labour unrest, and broader economic headwinds, the summit is viewed as a vital platform to restore investor confidence, highlight economic reforms, and strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a competitive investment destination.
According to the Bangladesh Bank, FDI inflows plunged by 71 percent year-on-year during the July-September quarter of FY25, amounting to just $104.33 million – marking the lowest figure in six years.
As of September 2024, the country’s total FDI stock stood at $17.68 billion. The United Kingdom leads with $3.05 billion invested primarily in banking, power, and pharmaceuticals. Singapore follows with $1.78 billion, while South Korea ranks third with $1.6 billion, focusing on manufacturing and telecommunications.
Numerous high-level dignitaries and corporate leaders are expected to attend, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).
Notable attendees include Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Inditex; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; Kyeongsu Lee, Vice President of Samsung C&T Corporation; Jon Omund Revhaug, Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Asia; and Han Jun-seokt, CEO of Giordano Korea.
Among the international dignitaries are Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster, DBE, UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh; Jarno Syrjälä, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs; and Mike Orgill, Senior Director for Public Policy and Government Relations, APAC at Uber.
At a press briefing held on March 23 at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Bida Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury reaffirmed the government’s dedication to cultivating an investment-friendly environment rooted in economic stability and policy transparency.
He acknowledged existing concerns – including policy unpredictability and infrastructure challenges – but underscored that Bangladesh’s steady economic growth, industrial diversification, and ongoing reforms indicate a bright outlook for long-term investors.
Chowdhury emphasized that policy consistency, infrastructure enhancement, and regulatory simplification would be essential to maintaining investor trust.
The official inauguration of the summit is slated for April 9, led by the Chief Adviser alongside top executives from multinational companies.
Bida anticipates that the event will serve as a pivotal moment in reshaping investor perceptions, offering a platform to display the country’s progress and facilitating direct dialogue between policymakers and global stakeholders.
