‘BanglaBiz’ investor gateway launched by BIDA and JICA

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched BanglaBiz — a unified digital platform designed to provide faster, more streamlined support to investors by consolidating key information and services previously spread across multiple portals.

For the first time, the One Stop Service (OSS) portals of all five major Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) — BIDA, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) — are linked under a centralised digital interface. Investors can also access the Public Private Partnership Authority's website through the BanglaBiz homepage.

The decision to develop BanglaBiz in line with investor needs was approved by the BIDA Governing Body, chaired by the Chief Adviser, in April 2025. Financial and technical assistance has been provided by JICA.

Key features of BanglaBiz's initial release include:

• Landing page – a central hub offering information about investment services, direct links to IPA OSS portals, FAQs and contact details.

• "How to Apply" tool – an interactive feature guiding investors to the most relevant IPA based on business type, sector and preferences.

• Management dashboard – a secure interface for government officials to monitor service performance, investment trends and operational metrics across IPAs.

"Digital transformation is not just a technological shift — it is a strategic imperative for inclusive development," said Tomohide Ichiguchi, chief representative of JICA Bangladesh Office. "BanglaBiz exemplifies our commitment to co-creating solutions that empower investors and strengthen institutional capacity."

BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury added: "A unified investor portal has been a long-standing demand from both local and foreign businesses. That's why BanglaBiz was a priority. We built it from the perspective of the service seeker — a single, digital entry point for anyone looking to start and operate in Bangladesh. Our hope is that it also sparks healthy competition among service providers to raise the bar on delivery."

While the initial release focuses on foundational features, BanglaBiz is envisioned to evolve into a fully integrated Investor Single Window Platform (ISWP). Upcoming phases will introduce high-impact services such as the Business Starter Package, with the involvement of additional ministries and agencies. The introduction of BanglaBiz ID (BBID) and the digitalisation of work permit and security clearance processes will also enable seamless interoperability across government systems.

As one of the world's largest bilateral aid agencies, JICA has long championed private sector development in Bangladesh. BanglaBiz builds on this legacy, aligning with JICA's mission to foster inclusive economic growth, attract quality investment and modernise public service delivery.