Bangladesh courts greater US investment in Chattogram's mega projects, free trade zone
US says it is working to deepen commercial ties, narrow trade imbalance.
Bangladesh has called for greater US investment in Chattogram's planned Free Trade Zone and major infrastructure projects, as American officials reaffirmed Washington's commitment to expanding bilateral trade and narrowing its trade imbalance with Bangladesh.
The call came during a meeting between leaders of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and a US Embassy delegation led by Commercial Counsellor Paul Frost at the World Trade Centre in Chattogram today (1 July).
CCCI President Mohammad Amirul Haque invited American companies to invest in Bangladesh's economic transformation projects, including transport corridors, expressways, metro rail systems, ports and other strategic infrastructure.
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Highlighting Chattogram's role as the country's commercial hub, he urged US investors to explore opportunities in the proposed Bay Terminal, Matarbari Deep Sea Port, Dhaka-Chattogram Expressway and Sonadia Deep Sea Port projects.
Amirul also called on American businesses to invest in the government's planned Free Trade Zone in Chattogram, saying investors would be able to operate under a simplified regulatory framework with a single trade licence.
Speaking at the meeting, Frost said the US Embassy's priority is to strengthen business and investment ties by connecting American and Bangladeshi companies.
He said the discussions were aimed at promoting trade and investment, fostering business-to-business partnerships and better understanding the expectations of Bangladesh's business community.
Frost added that the US government is working with the Bangladesh government and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) to improve the investment climate and narrow the bilateral trade imbalance. He also encouraged Chattogram's business community to work closely with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh to strengthen commercial engagement.
US Deputy Political and Economic Counsellor David Moo noted that many American companies already operate in Bangladesh, while others are interested in entering the market, adding that addressing business bottlenecks would help expand commercial engagement between the two countries.
Business leaders at the meeting also urged greater US investment in Bangladesh's agriculture sector, bonded warehouse facilities, and the cotton and man-made fibre industries.
They called for stronger American participation in local business summits, easier visa and passport services for Bangladeshi students, the establishment of a US consular office in Chattogram, direct Dhaka-New York flights.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the US Embassy, CCCI directors and representatives of leading business organisations, including BSRM Group, the Chittagong Stock Exchange and the Women's Chamber of Commerce.
