Opportunities for US companies in Bangladesh significant, expanding: US diplomat
The opportunities for American companies in Bangladesh are significant and expanding, Paul Frost, commercial counsellor of the US Embassy in Dhaka, has said.
"We're seeing strong potential for US exports in key sectors such as agricultural commodities, aircraft, and energy. In addition to traditional exports, we're also exploring opportunities in infrastructure development, engineering services, ICT, healthcare, and defence and security equipment," he said at an AmCham Luncheon meeting at a city hotel today (16 September).
He further emphasised the importance of agricultural infrastructure – such as cold chain and storage facilities – to support Bangladesh's growing needs.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The US diplomat also noted increasing interest among Bangladeshi companies in sourcing US-made synthetic fibres for textile manufacturing, describing it as a promising area of bilateral trade expansion.
He mentioned challenges like corruption and financial governance concerns continue to impact US business interests in Bangladesh.
"Like many of you, we are aware of the systemic issues that affect the private sector – including corruption, financial governance concerns, a complicated tax regime, infrastructure and logistics limitations, and excessive bureaucracy,"
Frost explained that the US Embassy has been actively engaged in assisting American companies facing these issues.
"We've worked closely with firms struggling with payment delays, repatriation of earnings, and unfulfilled contractual obligations — both from government and private partners," he noted.
While progress is being made, the US diplomat emphasised that these challenges "directly impact the bottom line" of US businesses and could limit future export growth if left unaddressed.
"We are grateful to the interim government for their constructive approach and willingness to engage with us to resolve these problems," he said. "Together with AmCham and other stakeholders, our goal is to knock down these barriers and strengthen the trade and investment climate."
He also appreciated the record participation of 40 Bangladeshi companies at the recent SelectUSA Investment Summit, encouraging even greater involvement in the next summit scheduled for 3-6 May 2026 in Washington, DC.
"The summit offers a powerful platform to meet US stakeholders, gain market insights, and explore avenues for investment and expansion in the United States," Frost said.
Concluding, the official reaffirmed the US commitment to deepening commercial ties with Bangladesh.
"The US business community here is vibrant and has already shown what's possible. I am confident that the next chapter in our partnership will be even more productive. Thank you for your ongoing collaboration — we look forward to working side by side with each of you," the US diplomat added.
In his opening remarks, AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed highlighted that the US, being the single largest source of FDI, brings not only capital but also technology, knowledge transfer, and global best practices that benefit the economy and people of Bangladesh.
He stressed that we could attract greater US investment by modernising logistics, simplifying customs, removing non-tariff barriers, strengthening IPR enforcement, and improving labour standards.
