NRB Global Convention 2025 urges expatriate investment beyond remittances

The NRB Global Convention 2025 was held recently in Dhaka, with Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain attending as chief guest.

The convention focused on Bangladesh's economic recovery and the expanding role of expatriate Bangladeshis beyond remittance inflows.

Addressing the programme, the adviser said remittances sent by expatriate Bangladeshis have played a crucial role in stabilising the economy since the current government took office. However, he stressed that expatriates' contributions should not be limited to remittances alone.

"Expatriate Bangladeshis can create employment opportunities by investing in businesses and industries, which will bring long-term benefits to the country's economy," he said.

Drawing a comparison with India, Touhid Hossain said the country has benefited significantly by leveraging the skills and global positioning of its expatriate citizens. "Bangladesh now has a critical mass of expatriates who can also play a major role in national development," he added.

Referring to youth unemployment, he noted that the lack of sufficient job opportunities is forcing many young people to take irregular routes to Europe. Increased investment by expatriates in industries, technology and services could help reverse this trend, he said. He also highlighted opportunities in overseas labour markets such as Japan, where improved language and skills training could enhance Bangladesh's participation.

A key feature of the convention was the direct engagement between expatriate entrepreneurs and policymakers, allowing investors to present practical challenges and opportunities. Special guest Dr Ahsan H Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, emphasised the need for financial sector reforms, policy support and simplified banking processes to attract expatriate investment.

The day-long event featured discussions on health, education, development, economics, information technology and innovation. Speakers and panellists from both local and expatriate communities took part, while NRB Global Awards 2025 were presented to recognise outstanding contributions by expatriate Bangladeshis.

NRB World founder Enamul Haque Enam said the organisation aims to build a sustainable bridge between expatriates and the country by linking overseas investment and expertise with Bangladesh's development priorities.

Expatriate entrepreneurs attending the convention said that with policy support, transparency and an investment-friendly environment, they would be willing to make large-scale investments in Bangladesh. The convention concluded with the consensus that expatriate Bangladeshis can emerge as a key driver of economic growth with proper planning and institutional support.

The convention was attended by nearly 1,000 expatriates from around 25 countries, including businesspeople, entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, scientists, academics and IT professionals. Representatives from chambers of commerce and business councils from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, the UAE, Singapore, Japan and South Korea were also present.

Officials from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), including Director Md Sirajul Islam Khan and Deputy Director Muhammad Munirul Hasan, participated in discussions on investment facilitation.

The opening session featured keynote speeches from Paul Frost, Commercial Counsellor of the US Embassy; Aziz Ahmed, President of NRB World; Giyas Ahmed, President of the America-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Hemi Hossain, General Secretary of the Global NRB Chamber of Commerce; Abdullah Rubel, General Secretary of the Australia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr Sheikh Alimuzzaman, General Secretary of the Japan-Bangladesh Medical Association; and Mominul Haque, CEO of Dubai Real Estate.