Bangladesh Targets $5bn More in US Investment Over 5 Years

Bangladesh will work with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) to attract an additional $5 billion in US investment over the next five years, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said.

He said the government was fully prepared to work closely with US companies to increase investment, create jobs, facilitate technology transfer and expand economic opportunities in Bangladesh.

The minister made the remarks at a programme marking AmCham Bangladesh’s 30th anniversary in Dhaka on Saturday evening.

Muktadir said AmCham had played an important role in strengthening economic relations between Bangladesh and the United States over the past three decades.

“It is not merely a business organisation; it also serves as an effective bridge between the government and the private sector,” he said.

He said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States currently exceeded $13 billion.

However, he noted that the relationship extended beyond trade figures, as US companies were contributing to Bangladesh’s development through investment, technology, employment, knowledge and global best practices.

The minister said AmCham member companies had invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh and contributed over 20% of the country’s national tax revenue.

He added that AmCham leaders had recently expressed interest in bringing another $5 billion in US investment to Bangladesh over the next five years during a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“The government will provide the necessary cooperation to implement this initiative,” Muktadir said.

He assured business leaders that his ministry and the government would make every effort to find practical solutions whenever genuine business-related problems were brought to their attention.

As an example, he mentioned the resolution of an industrial and commercial licensing complication involving AmCham member company Corteva Bangladesh. According to the minister, the issue was resolved within a month through government intervention.

Describing Bangladesh as a promising investment destination, Muktadir highlighted the country’s strategic location, young and skilled workforce, large domestic market and potential in sectors such as technology, digital innovation, healthcare, manufacturing and financial services.

He said opportunities alone were not sufficient to attract investment. Investors also needed predictability, ease of doing business, efficient trade facilities and a stable policy framework.

The government, he added, was working to simplify business procedures, expand digitalisation, improve trade facilitation and create a more investment-friendly environment.

Muktadir expressed hope that the next chapter of Bangladesh-US economic relations would be more promising, with increased US investment, advanced technology and global expertise entering Bangladesh, while access for Bangladeshi goods and services to the US market would expand.

He stressed the need for stronger partnerships among the government, business community, investors, development partners and organisations such as AmCham to achieve these goals.

The minister congratulated AmCham members and stakeholders on the organisation’s 30th anniversary and expressed hope for greater trade, investment, innovation, employment and a stronger, long-term economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen, AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice-President Alauddin Azad, former presidents, current and former executive committee members, government officials and business leaders attended the event.