Mahdi invites more US investment, promises policy stability and equal treatment

Highlights

• Govt urges US firms to expand investment, pledges policy stability and equal treatment
• Business-friendly reforms to boost FDI, jobs and investor confidence
• Bangladesh eyes deeper US partnership in trade, technology and manufacturing
• US calls for reforms to cut red tape, curb corruption and strengthen investment climate

The government has called on US companies to step up investment in Bangladesh, promising policy stability, equal treatment for foreign investors and continued reforms to improve the country's business climate.

Speaking at an event marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) in association with the US Embassy in Dhaka today (4 July), Prime Minister's Adviser and spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the government considers the private sector the key driver of economic growth.

He said the administration is committed to strengthening transparency, accountability, good governance and the rule of law to restore investor confidence and attract more foreign direct investment (FDI).

"The government will extend all possible policy support to facilitate investment," Mahdi said, while thanking the US and the international community for supporting Bangladesh's democratic transition.

He said Bangladesh aims to achieve inclusive economic growth by increasing investment, creating jobs and expanding economic cooperation with international partners.

Referring to the role of US companies in Bangladesh, Mahdi said American investment has contributed to employment generation, technology transfer and the adoption of global business practices, helping strengthen the country's economy.

Describing the current administration as business-friendly, he said recent initiatives include easing profit repatriation, pursuing liberal economic reforms and offering fiscal incentives in economic zones, industrial parks and high-tech parks.

Acknowledging that foreign investors had previously faced concerns over unequal treatment, Mahdi said the government is committed to ensuring a level playing field for both domestic and international businesses.

He urged leading US firms to expand investment in Bangladesh through technology transfer, industrial partnerships and job creation.

The adviser also called for turning "brain drain" into "brain circulation" by encouraging skilled Bangladeshi professionals abroad, particularly in the United States, to contribute to the country's economic and technological advancement.

He identified aviation, energy, ICT, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, light engineering and high-value manufacturing as key sectors for expanding Bangladesh-US economic cooperation. He also invited US companies to organise investment roadshows and engage more closely with policymakers to explore new opportunities.

Addressing the programme, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen said Washington is seeking to build a fair, reciprocal and long-term economic partnership with Bangladesh based on trade, investment and shared prosperity.

He said the US wants to move beyond a relationship centred on trade preferences and development assistance towards one driven by reciprocal trade and investment.

Calling Bangladesh's growing economy, young workforce and expanding private sector a source of confidence for investors, the ambassador said further reforms would be needed to unlock the country's full potential.

These include reducing bureaucratic hurdles, tackling corruption, promoting competition and ensuring a more predictable business environment, he said.

Christensen added that the proposed US-Bangladesh reciprocal trade agreement could help deepen bilateral economic ties by encouraging investment, employment, skills development and long-term business collaboration. 

He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in energy, technology, the digital economy, healthcare, defence, security and investment.

AmCham Bangladesh President Syed Mohammad Kamal said the chamber will continue working to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, while serving as the first point of contact for US businesses interested in Bangladesh.

He said US companies have made significant contributions to Bangladesh's development through investments in sectors such as energy, aviation, healthcare, digital services and the garment industry, while also facilitating technology and knowledge transfer over the past three decades.