Investment Summit draws half delegates from China, US, UK; secures Tk3,100cr in proposals

Summary:

• 415 foreign delegates from 50 countries attended summit
• 70 investors visited Dhaka and Chattogram's export processing zones
• Six MoUs signed, including with Nasa, Solar Power Europe
• Partnerships with ILO, UNDP on responsible investment, labour standards

The recently concluded Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 generated preliminary investment proposals amounting to Tk3,100 crore, while successfully presenting a positive narrative about Bangladesh to the global investor community, according to organisers.

Nearly 415 foreign delegates from 50 countries attended the summit held from 7 to 10 April, with half of them coming from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. China alone sent the largest delegation of 147 representatives.

The four-day summit was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza). It featured breakout sessions, high-level roundtables, and sector-specific networking opportunities, with over 3,500 participants engaging throughout.

At a press conference today (13 April), Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of both Bida and Beza, underscored that the summit's success was not just about the size of investment pledges.

"I'm not concerned about how large the proposals are," he said. "What mattered most was giving investors a clear, positive understanding of Bangladesh. Whether they invest immediately or not, our goal was that they leave with good things to say – and nothing negative."

He added that the event has helped "build a pipeline for future investments", and authorities will maintain regular follow-up with participants through the contact information gathered during registration. 

"Even if some didn't attend, the fact that they registered shows interest. We'll send follow-up emails, summarise who they spoke to, gather feedback, and ask what support they need. This engagement will continue," he noted.

The summit placed special focus on five high-potential sectors for foreign direct investment: renewable energy, digital economy, textile and apparel, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing.

On 7–8 April, around 70 investors were taken on guided visits to export processing zones and economic zones in Dhaka and Chattogram, offering them firsthand insights into Bangladesh's investment infrastructure. Special sessions were also held for startups in Dhaka.

The event's formal inauguration on 9 April was attended by 710 guests, including both foreign and local participants. Discussions ranged from Bangladesh's investment ambitions to policy reforms aimed at facilitating smoother business operations.

Major MoUs and global collaboration

Six significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the summit, expected to catalyse Bangladesh's economic transformation. 

Among these, Bangladesh's accession to the NASA Artemis Accords marked a historic milestone in space collaboration. A Power Purchase Agreement was signed between PRAN and the H&M Group, with financing support from the International Finance Corporation.

Additionally, a tripartite agreement was signed among the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Bida, focusing on responsible investment and improving labour standards. 

Another key agreement on renewable energy cooperation was made between Solar Power Europe and the Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association, aiming to accelerate clean energy initiatives.

Agriculture and food security received a boost with the signing of the Bangladesh-Netherlands Seed Partnership by Seed Netherlands and the Bangladesh Seed Association, intended to advance seed innovation and productivity. 

Finally, the Dutch Greenhouse Delta and ACI signed a Greenhouse Impact Clusters agreement to promote innovation and sustainability in agritech and food production.

Challenges remain

Despite the optimism, investors raised concerns about bureaucratic hurdles, particularly the two-year delays in acquiring factory licences, gas, and electricity connections. 

"These barriers make it hard for businesses to maintain momentum," Bida's Ashik Chowdhury admitted. "We are actively working to ease the process of starting a business in Bangladesh."

He said the summit was a deliberate effort to challenge long-standing stereotypes about Bangladesh. "Many guests were surprised by how well-organised the summit was and are eager to bring their partners and peers next time."

The summit cost around Tk5 crore to organise, of which Tk1.5 crore came from the government and the remainder from partner organisations. Ashik Chowdhury said if even $100 million in investment results from delegates who attended Bangladesh for the first time, "that will be a remarkable success."