New BB portal offers support for foreign investors
Staff Reporter :
In response to the ongoing decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Bangladesh Bank has launched a new portal titled Foreign Investment and Financing to support foreign investors with information and resources.
The portal provides seamless access to investment opportunities, financing options, and business initiatives, according to a circular issued by the central bank.
Key features of the portal include comprehensive laws and
regulations from the Foreign Exchange Investment Department, a section with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on investment opportunities, and a dedicated contact point for investment-related queries. The platform is accessible at https://www.bb.org.bd/feidportal/index.html.
The central bank has urged all banks to utilise the portal and recommend it to their clients and investors, aiming to enhance support for potential foreign investors.
Despite ongoing efforts by the government and relevant authorities, FDI inflows remain a pressing concern for Bangladesh.
Export Processing Zones (EPZs), which are expected to attract significant foreign capital, have not yet met anticipated investment levels.
Economists have attributed the sluggish FDI to political and economic challenges. They suggest that political uncertainty and economic instability have made investors cautious about committing funds to the country.
Additionally, the government’s reliance on borrowing from banks has created a liquidity crisis, further discouraging investment.
Experts have recommended the government introduce measures in the upcoming national budget to foster an investment-friendly environment. They believe that prioritising economic stability and investor confidence is crucial to reversing the current trend and attracting foreign capital.
The new portal is part of Bangladesh Bank’s strategy to counteract these challenges by providing comprehensive, transparent, and accessible information to foreign investors, thereby encouraging investment in the country.