60 foreign delegates explore Chattogram's investment environment

In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, around 60 foreign investors and company representatives from countries including South Korea, China, Japan, Australia, and India visited two of Chattogram's major industrial hubs today (7 April). 

The delegation explored the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Anwara and the National Special Economic Zone in Mirsarai, gaining firsthand exposure to the investment environment in Bangladesh.

The visit served as the unofficial start to the investment summit, set to be officially inaugurated on Wednesday, by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the InterContinental Dhaka. 

The four-day summit, organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), aims to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) by showcasing the country's growing industrial capacity and investment-friendly reforms.

During their visit, the foreign investors toured several facilities operated by South Korea's industrial conglomerate, Youngone Corporation, within KEPZ. The delegation observed various production lines and green industry initiatives from 9am to noon. 

KEPZ, covering over 7 million square feet, hosts 48 industrial units, many of which focus on the garment sector, with others engaged in footwear and bag manufacturing.

Youngone Corporation, which manages KEPZ, provided a comprehensive briefing on its operations, export volumes, employment generation, and the challenges foreign investors face in Bangladesh. 

The company has created jobs for more than 35,000 people in the zone and developed supporting infrastructure, including a 100-bed hospital, staff accommodations, entertainment facilities, and training centres. A new 600-bed hospital and a textile institute are also under construction.

Workers from the foreign-invested factories in KEPZ shared positive feedback with visiting investors, expressing satisfaction with their working conditions. The visit highlighted the emphasis on employee well-being and sustainable practices, boosting investor confidence.

Youngone Group Chairman Kihak Sung addressed the investors, commending the current government's efforts to streamline investment regulations. 

He said while Bangladesh had previously extended invitations to international investors, practical steps had been limited. However, he praised the government's efforts to make the country more attractive to foreign investors. 

"Real, effective efforts are now being taken to attract foreign investment," Sung said, encouraging the delegates to consider investing in Bangladesh.

When asked about the primary challenge to foreign investment in Bangladesh, Sung cited administrative complexities. However, he affirmed that Bangladesh remains a highly profitable investment destination and expressed his company's commitment to continued expansion in the country.

Chinese investor Sendy, speaking to The Business Standard, expressed her excitement about the investment opportunities in the economic zones. 

"It is very comfortable to do business here. Facilities are convincing. We will need to review the investment policies to move forward," she said.

At the end of the visit, Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, deputy press secretary of the chief adviser, briefed journalists. 

"Monday's site visits aimed to provide investors with firsthand exposure to the infrastructure, potential, and industrial environment in Bangladesh. This event is a crucial part of the broader investment summit strategy to transform international interest into actionable commitments," he said.

According to Bida, over 550 investors and company representatives from 50 countries are registered to participate in the summit. In addition to prospective investors, top executives from several globally renowned corporations have confirmed their attendance, adding further prestige to the event.

The summit will continue until Thursday, serving as a platform for dialogue, networking, and strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating foreign direct investment in Bangladesh's key sectors.