$5bn US investment in sight
US companies could invest a further $5 billion in Bangladesh over the next five years, provided the government works with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) to improve the investment climate and ensure greater policy predictability.
AmCham made the proposal during a meeting of its executive committee with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Tuesday (11 August), seeking government partnership to facilitate additional investment from existing members and prospective US companies.
The chamber said its member companies have already invested more than
$5 billion in Bangladesh and collectively account for over 20 per cent of the country’s tax revenue.
AmCham urged the government to maintain an enabling business environment to attract fresh investment and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-US economic and commercial relations.
The chamber welcomed recent government efforts to improve the investment and business climate, particularly measures included in the FY27 reform package.
It highlighted initiatives such as time-bound approvals and licensing, implementation of the Single Window system, digital tax and VAT administration, reduced compliance requirements, improved procedures for repatriating capital and profits, and simplified customs processes.
AmCham, however, stressed that long-term policy predictability in priority sectors would be essential for sustaining investor confidence and supporting investment decisions.
Digital economy and trade
On digital governance, the chamber welcomed the enactment of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the National Data Governance Act (NDGA).
It called for effective implementation of the two laws, alongside greater preparedness for artificial intelligence, stronger cybersecurity, clearer regulations and continued public-private cooperation.
AmCham also described the US-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement framework as a strategic opportunity to deepen bilateral economic ties and strengthen Bangladesh’s integration into global value chains.
The chamber said economic cooperation should extend beyond market access to areas including technology, AI and digital innovation, cloud computing and cybersecurity, healthcare and life sciences, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and financial-sector modernisation.
It proposed establishing a Digital Economy Advisory Forum or Task Force and a Public-Private Competitiveness Council, bringing together government representatives, businesses, foreign investors and AmCham to identify bottlenecks and help implement reforms.
AmCham also reaffirmed its readiness to support the government with investor intelligence and business feedback, facilitate policy dialogue, connect Bangladesh with US corporate decision-makers and promote the country’s investment opportunities internationally.
The chamber invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the opening ceremony of the 30th US Trade Show, jointly organised by AmCham Bangladesh and the US Embassy in Bangladesh, as chief guest.
Government pledges support
Tarique Rahman welcomed AmCham’s continued engagement and acknowledged its contribution to Bangladesh’s economic development.
He said Bangladesh had entered a new phase of economic transformation and was offering a favourable environment for investment.
The prime minister said the government’s priority was to ensure effective implementation of ongoing reforms while strengthening investor confidence through policy predictability, efficient governance and regular dialogue with the business community.
He also assured prospective foreign investors of the government’s full support and expressed his commitment to working closely with AmCham to further strengthen Bangladesh-US economic ties.
