Investment Summit begins today to spotlight 5 high-growth sectors, including digital economy, apparel

The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 begins today (7 April), offering a prime platform to highlight the country's potential investment opportunities across five key sectors – renewable energy, digital economy, textile and apparel, healthcare and pharma, and agro-processing.

Set against the backdrop of Bangladesh's evolving economic landscape, the summit aims to emphasise the country's readiness for transformative growth, positioning it as a dynamic hub for foreign investment. 

This initiative arrives at a critical time, following concerns over the country's investment climate due to political shifts and industrial unrest in August 2024. 

Jointly hosted by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), the summit will take place from 7-10 April at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka. 

The formal inauguration, scheduled for 9 April, will feature Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, along with ambassadors, business leaders, and policymakers. 

According to the organisers, the summit has attracted over 2,300 participants from 50 countries, including over 550 foreign investors. Attendees will engage in discussions, matchmaking sessions, and partnership-building opportunities.

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of Bida and Beza, said the summit will focus on sectors that will generate substantial employment opportunities. "We believe job creation should be our priority rather than overly focusing on the value of the dollar."

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, he said, "Foreign investors need a clearer understanding of Bangladesh's economic landscape and growth potential. This summit will not only showcase investment opportunities but will also highlight the reforms made to create a more business-friendly environment."

Ashik hinted at a potential agreement with NASA, which would focus on civilian space exploration. "We are considering signing an agreement with NASA, and once it is finalised, we will provide further details."

Scheduled programmes

Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025 will take place on 7 April, bringing together global investors, startup founders, and ecosystem enablers to explore Bangladesh's startup potential. 

Concurrently, international investors and consultants will visit key industrial hubs, including the Korean Export Processing Zone and the National Special Economic Zone in Chattogram. 

On 8 April, a delegation will tour the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Narayanganj. That day, agreements with the World Bank and ILO will be signed to enhance the investment climate, especially concerning labour. 

On 9 April will feature a Starlink live internet demonstration. The closing day will include breakout sessions on digital economy, textiles, healthcare, and agro-processing.

Five entrepreneurs will be honoured during the summit. Additionally, one foreign businessperson, who has operated in Bangladesh for 20-25 years, will be proposed for citizenship. The nationality of the recipient has not yet been disclosed.

Key guests

Several high-profile business leaders will attend the summit, including Rosie Winterton, UK's trade envoy to Bangladesh; Mike Orgill, senior director, Uber; and Kyeongsu Lee, vice president, Samsung C&T.

Ashik said Chief Adviser Yunus will hold separate meetings with entrepreneurs to discuss specific matters that need to be addressed.

The BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party, will collaborate with various organisations to ensure a stable, long-term investment environment at the summit.

"Dedicated rooms will be allocated for these political parties at the event," Ashik mentioned.