4-day Bangladesh Investment Summit kicks off to showcase opportunities in key sectors
The summit seeks to restore investor confidence following the Political shift on 5 August and the subsequent industrial unrest
Highlights
- 4-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 kicked off on 7 April at Hotel InterContinental
- Over 550 investors from 50 countries registered; China sent the largest delegation
- Starlink will showcase live internet connectivity; a NASA deal on space exploration is being considered
- BNP, Jamaat, and NCP are expected to engage with investors during the summit
The four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 began today (7 April) at the Hotel InterContinental Dhaka with the aim of highlighting the country's investment landscape and promoting opportunities for foreign investors.
Organised jointly by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), the summit seeks to restore investor confidence following the Political shift on 5 August and the subsequent industrial unrest.
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In a strategic move to attract foreign direct investment, the interim government is presenting Bangladesh's business prospects and advantages to the global investor community.
The summit will focus on five priority sectors: renewable energy, digital economy, textile and apparel, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing. These sectors have been identified as having significant growth potential and opportunities for investment.
The summit will be formally inaugurated on 9 April at the same venue.
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, along with ambassadors, business leaders, and policymakers, is expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.
On the first day of the event, Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025 — a flagship segment of the summit — was launched.
The Startup Expo is being held at Hotel InterContinental, where global investors, visionary startup founders, and ecosystem enablers have gathered to explore the country's thriving startup scene.
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of Bida and Beza, and Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, economic adviser to the government, were present at the opening session.
Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka yesterday (6 April), Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said the "Foreign investors need a clearer understanding of Bangladesh's economic landscape and growth potential. This summit will not only showcase investment opportunities but also highlight the reforms undertaken to create a more business-friendly environment."
Over 550 investors from 50 countries have registered to participate, with the highest number—around 100 business delegates—coming from China.
More than 60 foreign investors are scheduled to visit one Export Processing Zone and two Economic Zones as part of the summit.
The top participating countries include China, the US, the UK, India, Singapore, and Japan.
Starlink is expected to demonstrate live internet connectivity on 9 April. Bangladesh is also planning to sign a non-military space exploration deal with NASA, according to Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud.
Five local and foreign entrepreneurs will be awarded during the summit.
The chief adviser is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with business delegations from Germany, China, and South Korea.
Political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP, are also expected to engage with investors at the event.
