PM lays out roadmap for $15bn FDI, $1-trillion economy
Bangladesh could draw up to $15 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) annually by accelerating regulatory reforms and ensuring effective implementation, according to a report unveiled by the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Dhaka on Thursday.
The report, titled “FICCI Foreign Direct Investment Report 2026,” was launched at the day-long “FICCI Foreign Direct Investment Conference 2026” and “Investors’ Expo” held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the flagship event as the chief guest, emphasizing his administration’s plan to build a rules-based, globally integrated, and private sector-driven economy.
“Our election manifesto provides a clear roadmap for economic transformation. We invite you not only to invest in Bangladesh, but also to become partners in realizing this vision,” the Prime Minister said while addressing nearly 600 national and international delegates, including diplomats, regulators, and foreign investors.
Boldly laying out the country’s economic trajectory, the Prime Minister announced, “Our government is determined to build a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034.”
Highlighting key investment climate reforms, he reassured global investors that the government is modernizing legal frameworks, strengthening investor protection, simplifying tax and VAT administration, and easing profit repatriation.
He noted that the national budget includes targeted incentives for renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, electronics, digital services, agro-processing, and logistics to position Bangladesh as a regional manufacturing hub.
Before inaugurating the session, the Prime Minister toured the Investors’ Expo and interacted with representatives from participating multinational corporations and local industry leaders.
Presenting the keynote findings, Dr. Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, stated that achieving $15 billion in annual FDI is entirely realistic if structural bottlenecks are removed.
FICCI President Rupali Haque Chowdhury added that quality foreign capital is vital for creating high-skilled jobs and sustaining long-term competitiveness as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from LDC status.
The high-level panel discussion was moderated by Mahdi Amin, Adviser and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office. Key government figures including Commerce and Industry Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Finance Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Telecom Adviser Rehan Asif Asad, and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun reiterated the state’s commitment to digitizing public services, strengthening energy security, and improving logistics.
The conference drew massive backing from major global brands, with Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Robi Axiata PLC acting as platinum sponsors, alongside diamond partners Nestlé, Berger Paints, and Youngone Corporation, signaling strong institutional interest in Bangladesh’s evolving investment climate.
