UK to boost investment in Bangladesh's growth, prioritising education, aviation, renewable energy

Highlights:

• UK expressed strong interest in Bangladesh's Investment Summit 2025
• UK reaffirmed support for Bangladesh's economic reforms, investment-friendly policies
• Meetings with UK businesses explored partnerships in finance, manufacturing, technology
• Academic partnerships, research collaboration were discussed with UK universities
• Bangladesh promoted its investment potential at "Made in the UK, Sold to the Indo-Pacific" roadshow
• UK remains a top source of FDI in Bangladesh, with a stock of $2.9 billion

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have reinforced their long-standing economic partnership through high-level discussions on trade and investment, with a focus on education, aviation, and renewable energy.

UK Investment Minister Baroness Gustafsson of Chesterton CBE met with Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), to explore ways to expand foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthen business ties, reads a Bida press statement issued today.

Chowdhury held a series of meetings with senior UK officials, leading businesses and non-resident Bangladeshis in London from 10 to 13 March.

"This visit reaffirms the strong and long-standing economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. Our discussions focused on expanding investment in both services and manufacturing sectors," he said.

"The UK's continued support to improve Bangladesh's investment climate was evident in our engagements with government officials and business leaders," he added.

High-level meetings with UK officials

The Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE, UK's trade envoy for Bangladesh, expressed strong interest in the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, highlighting the UK's commitment to deepening economic engagement.

Owen Jenkins, director general for the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, reaffirmed the UK's support for Bangladesh's economic reforms and investment-friendly policies.

Additional meetings with the Department for Business and Trade and the Ministry of Defence focused on collaboration in industrial development, advanced technology, and infrastructure projects.

Strengthening partnerships with leading UK companies, institutions

Chowdhury also met with top UK businesses to showcase Bangladesh's investment potential and explore new partnerships in finance, manufacturing, and technology.

Key meetings included HSBC, Airbus, Dewhirst Group, Menzies etc.  

The Bida-Beza chief also reinforced Bangladesh's commitment to higher education, with discussions at the University of London and SOAS focusing on academic partnerships, research collaboration, and youth empowerment initiatives.

Promoting Bangladesh on the global stage

As part of the "Made in the UK, Sold to the Indo-Pacific" roadshow, Chowdhury delivered a keynote presentation on Bangladesh's investment and export opportunities.

He highlighted the country's strategic location, rapid economic growth, and emerging role as a regional production hub, drawing strong interest from UK businesses exploring expansion in the Indo-Pacific market.

Throughout the visit, Chowdhury engaged with non-resident Bangladeshis, UK business associations, and trade groups, further reinforcing Bangladesh's reputation as a high-potential investment destination.

The United Kingdom, a key strategic partner, remains the top source of FDI in Bangladesh, with an FDI stock of $2.9 billion as of FY 2023-24.