Bangladesh Aims to Attract Foreign Investment in Various Sectors

Strategic Insights -

Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has invited foreign investors to consider investing in the country in various sectors, including banking, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and agro-based industries. At a business meet, referred to as the Investment Summit Bangladesh 2009, Sheikh Hasina emphasized that Bangladesh offers immense opportunities for new investments, particularly in the capital market, banking, energy, and textiles. The government is committed to turning Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021, and foreign investment is a significant component of this goal. Sheikh Hasina highlighted the country's favorable conditions, including a homogenous secular society, progressive democracy, market-oriented economy, low-cost labor, and strategic geographic location.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sheikh Hasina invited foreign investors to consider investing in Bangladesh in various sectors, including banking, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and agro-based industries.
  • The country offers immense opportunities for new investments, particularly in the capital market, banking, energy, and textiles.
  • The government is committed to turning Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021, and foreign investment is a significant component of this goal.
  • Sheikh Hasina highlighted the country's favorable conditions, including a homogenous secular society, progressive democracy, market-oriented economy, low-cost labor, and strategic geographic location.
  • The government has implemented policies to attract foreign investment, including zero duty for export-oriented industries, liberal tax holidays, and easy repatriation of profit and capital.
  • Bangladesh has been ranked 17th for Investor Protection by the World Bank, outperforming India and Vietnam.
  • Global internationals such as Mobil, BP, Chevron, Conoco Phillips, Proctor and Gamble, Lafarge, and many more have invested in Bangladesh.

Statistics:

  • 160 million domestic consumer market in Bangladesh
  • Zero duty for export-oriented industries, liberal tax holidays, easy repatriation of profit and capital
  • Ranked 17th for Investor Protection by the World Bank
  • 17th ranking for Investor Protection by the World Bank, outperforming India (29) and Vietnam (143)

Sources:

  • "Prime Minister invites foreign investors to avail of opportunities in Bangladesh" by UNB (September 29, 2009)
  • "Investment Summit Bangladesh 2009" by Hotel Grand Hyatt
  • "Bangladesh: Seeking and Offering" by Goldman Sachs (listing Asia's Next 11)