‘Govt aims to create investment-friendly environment’

Business Report :

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEZA), Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, said the government is committed create a stable, investment-friendly environment in Bangladesh.
“We understand the hurdles investors face and remain dedicated to creating a transparent and reformed ecosystem. However, sustained advocacy from the business community is essential for ongoing progress. Our goal is to build an environment conducive to long-term investments-one that enhances economic resilience and fosters sustained growth,” BIDA Chief said.
Ashik Chowdhury made these remarks at a high-level economic briefing held at a city hotel on Thursday, focused on the strategic potential of the Japan-Bangladesh economic corridor, according to a press release.
The event was jointly hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Standard Chartered Bangladesh, and brought together senior representatives from BIDA, Standard Chartered, JICA, JETRO, the Embassy of Japan, as well as prominent business leaders and investors from both countries.
Amid shifting global trade dynamics and a renewed focus on South Asia, the event highlighted growing confidence in Bangladesh’s economic trajectory and reiterated the shared commitment of public and private stakeholders to unlocking new avenues for collaboration.
From macroeconomic stability to ambitious structural reforms, leaders expressed optimism and shared a unified vision for deepening bilateral economic engagement. With over 300 Japanese companies already operating in Bangladesh, the next phase of this partnership centers on scale, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Saida Shinichi, reiterated Japan’s enduring strategic partnership with Bangladesh, emphasizing ongoing support for critical infrastructure development.
“Our continuing negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) reflect our joint aspirations. We see vast potential across sectors like agro-business, fisheries, automotive, and textiles,” he said.
Yuji Ando, Country Representative of JETRO, remarked that despite global economic and political volatility, Japanese firms remain keen to expand their presence in Bangladesh-reflecting their long-term confidence in the market.
JICA Bangladesh’s Chief Representative, Ichiguchi Tomohide, acknowledged recent progress but emphasized the need for further improvements in the investment landscape. “JICA, in collaboration with JETRO and other partners, is driving key strategic initiatives-from transformative infrastructure projects such as the Matarbari deep-sea port and MRT systems, to simplifying investment procedures,” he noted.
Standard Chartered Bangladesh CEO Naser Ezaz Bijoy described Japan as a steadfast partner since Bangladesh’s independence, noting that bilateral ties extend beyond policy to deep-rooted people-to-people connections.
“With positive trends across core economic indicators, Bangladesh’s outlook is more stable than it has been in years. With timely reforms and close collaboration, the country is well-positioned to become a trillion-dollar economy within the next five years,” he stated.
Standard Chartered Japan CEO Yusuke Asai added, “Despite global uncertainties, two things remain constant-our commitment to the Japan-Bangladesh economic corridor and the enduring friendship between our nations. Japan’s globally integrated economy and its companies are well-equipped to expand in Bangladesh.
With more than 300 Japanese firms already here, now is the ideal time to scale investment and solidify our role in Bangladesh’s growth story.”