BIDA invites Korean investors to invest in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has called on Korean investors to capitalise on Bangladesh's growing economic momentum and favourable investment climate, citing major reforms, macroeconomic stability and strong government support for foreign enterprises.

At an investment seminar entitled 'Gateway to Growth: Invest in Bangladesh', held at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole Hotel, a high-level Bangladeshi delegation led by Mr Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman (State Minister) of BIDA, engaged with over 150 Korean business leaders, industrialists and development partners to showcase strategic investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

Organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Republic of Korea and the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), and supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group, the event reflected the deepening economic partnership between Dhaka and Seoul.

South Korea is currently Bangladesh's fifth-largest foreign investor, with cumulative FDI exceeding USD 1.56 billion, spread across more than 150 companies engaged in textiles, electronics, footwear and automobile manufacturing.

In his keynote address, Mr Ashik Chowdhury said:'This is the most opportune moment for Korean businesses to align with Bangladesh's growth trajectory. Our government has implemented comprehensive reforms to ensure seamless entry, operation and expansion for foreign investors. We welcome Korean businesses to explore Bangladesh as their next growth destination.'

Mr Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development at BIDA, delivered a presentation highlighting priority investment sectors, including textiles, electronics, automotive manufacturing and renewable energy. He emphasised Bangladesh's demographic dividend, infrastructure upgrades and business-friendly policy environment, noting: 'There has never been a better time to enter Bangladesh. Investors can expect high returns supported by BIDA's full-spectrum One Stop Service platform.'

Sharing his experience, Mr Min-Suhk Lee, President of Youngone Corporation, praised Bangladesh's transformation into a competitive manufacturing hub. With over USD 600 million invested and more than 30,000 employees, he said Youngone's four-decade journey illustrates Bangladesh's potential for sustainable industrial growth.

Welcoming participants, Mr Toufiq Islam Shatil, ndc, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Republic of Korea, said:'Bangladesh today offers an unparalleled gateway to South Asia. With the bold reforms undertaken by BIDA and the government, we are ready to host a new wave of Korean investments.'

Mr Chang-beom Kim, Vice-Chairman and CEO of FKI, highlighted the historic friendship between the two nations and expressed optimism about the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) – now under negotiation – which is expected to further boost trade and investment flows.

The seminar forms part of a five-day strategic mission to South Korea, led by BIDA's Executive Chairman, accompanied by senior officials from BEZA, NBR and the banking sector. The delegation will hold G2G and G2B meetings with Korean ministries, parliamentarians and corporate leaders from 21–23 October, as well as a special roundtable with members of the Korean business diaspora and academia.