US investors positive about Bangladesh’s reforms and economic outlook: Finance adviser
The adviser said the Bangladeshi delegation also met with the World Bank, IMF, ADB, and OPEC Fund, focusing on follow-ups of previous loan negotiations and exploring new budget support and development grants
US investors have expressed strong confidence in Bangladesh's economic direction and progress in reform, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said.
He said discussions with leaders of the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington reflected a "much better attitude" from the American private sector toward Bangladesh compared to last year, as several long-pending issues have been resolved and key economic reforms are underway.
"When we came last time, they had many pending issues. This time, they said there has been real improvement," Salehuddin told reporters after the meeting in Washington.
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"They even noted that the US private sector's attitude toward Bangladesh is much better now. Payments to Chevron and MetLife have already been cleared, which encouraged them a lot."
The adviser said the Bangladeshi delegation also met with the World Bank, IMF, ADB, and OPEC Fund, focusing on follow-ups of previous loan negotiations and exploring new budget support and development grants.
He highlighted Bangladesh's long-term vision of achieving the 'Three Zeros' — zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emission.
"Bangladesh remains a vulnerable state, both internally and externally, but compared with last year, our position has improved significantly — in macroeconomic stability, foreign exchange, foreign reserves, and overall business activity," he said.
Salehuddin said the government's revenue and banking sector reforms were a major part of the discussions with global lenders.
"Reform is not a one-time task; it's an ongoing process. We've shared the steps already taken and the next ones planned," he added.
He said the government is working to rationalise taxes, simplify National Board of Revenue (NBR) procedures, and address issues like double taxation and VAT refunds to improve business confidence.
He added that US investors now see Bangladesh as one of the fastest-growing economies, with a large and expanding middle-class market that continues to attract attention.
"They see the middle-class demand as a big attraction beyond food items. That's a positive outlook — they plan to invest more," he said.
