60 foreign investors explore Chattogram, hail FDI efforts

Foreign investors have praised the interim government's multi-pronged initiatives to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), stating that such proactive steps are likely to motivate more investors to consider Bangladesh as an investment destination.

On Monday, a delegation of around 60 investors from the US, South Korea, China, Japan, India, Australia, and the Netherlands visited the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Anwara, Chattogram, as part of the ongoing four-day "Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025."

During the visit, investors toured several facilities operated by South Korea's renowned industrial conglomerate, Youngone Corporation, within the KEPZ in the morning. Later, they were taken to the National Special Economic Zone in Mirsarai in the afternoon.

From 9am to noon, they observed various production lines and green industry initiatives across the KEPZ, which spans over 7 million square feet and houses 48 industrial units. A significant portion of these units focuses on the garment sector, with others involved in footwear and bag manufacturing.

Youngone Corporation, which manages KEPZ, provided a detailed briefing to the delegates about its operations, investment scale, export volumes, employment generation, and challenges faced by foreign investors in Bangladesh. 

The company has created employment for over 35,000 people in the zone and has built supporting infrastructure such as a 100-bed hospital, staff accommodations, entertainment facilities, and training centres. Additionally, a new 600-bed hospital and a textile institute are currently under construction.

Workers from these foreign-invested factories also shared positive feedback with visiting investors, expressing satisfaction with their working conditions. The session highlighted how employee well-being and sustainable practices have been prioritised within KEPZ, boosting investor confidence.

Youngone Group Chairman Kihak Sung addressed the investors during the visit, emphasising that while Bangladesh had previously extended invitations to international investors, practical steps were limited at the time. 

However, he commended the current government's initiatives to streamline and unify investment-related regulations. "Real, effective efforts are now being taken to attract foreign investment," he said, encouraging the attending delegates to seriously consider investing in Bangladesh.

One Chinese investor asked Kihak Sung what he saw as the primary challenge to foreign investment in Bangladesh. In response, Sung pointed to administrative complexities as a significant hurdle. 

Nevertheless, he affirmed that Bangladesh remains a highly profitable investment destination and shared his company's commitment to continued expansion in the country.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Sendy, an investor from China, expressed her excitement to learn about the investment opportunities in the economic zones. "It is very comfortable to do business here. Facilities are convincing. We will have to go through the investment policies now to go ahead."

Over 500 foreign investors from 40 countries have arrived in Bangladesh to participate in the summit.

During their visit, investors toured various factories and installations within KEPZ and inquired about investment opportunities and facilities.

Following the visit, many investors observed that while previous governments had made promises about attracting foreign investment, tangible results were limited.

However, they noted that the current interim government is not only speaking about FDI but also taking concrete steps, which has significantly improved the investment outlook.

Md Shamim from Narayanganj has built a remarkable success story during his 18-year stay in Australia. He has established 108 franchise outlets of the global restaurant chain Subway, making him the world's largest franchisee of the US-based brand. His annual turnover has now reached 120 million Australian dollars.

"I spend nearly 30 million Australian dollars every year just on restaurant condiments, most of which are sourced from China," said Shamim, who is also chairman of the Australia-based Shamim Group.

"Unfortunately, Bangladeshi workers make up only about 3.0 percent of my 2,000-strong workforce," he added, expressing his desire to recruit more workers from Bangladesh.

Shamim is currently exploring opportunities to manufacture packaging and other restaurant supplies in Bangladesh.

"The market potential goes far beyond my own outlets. With over 12,000 Subway restaurants worldwide – and similar demand from other global chains – Bangladesh can emerge as a significant manufacturing hub for these items," he noted.

Kevin Wu, managing partner of China's Mega Rich Industrial Limited, said, "The new interim government is working to improve the business environment and has taken some promising steps. If these are implemented effectively, they will attract more investment. Many Chinese investors are already active in Bangladesh, and many more are interested – but they are closely watching what incentives Bangladesh will announce during this summit."

Suresh Kapiti, managing director of Kapiti Overseas from Hyderabad, India, said he joined the summit to find a business partner to establish a compliant battery recycling plant in Bangladesh.

"Improper disposal of used batteries is extremely harmful. Even non-compliant recycling is dangerous. India is facing similar challenges, and we've adopted strict regulations and technologies to ensure safe recycling," he added.

An investor from the Netherlands, involved in the agriculture sector, also expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh if the business environment remains supportive and necessary services are guaranteed.

According to KEPZ authorities, the zone currently hosts 48 green industrial facilities, along with 10 design and development centres focused on research and innovation. A 100-acre IT park is under construction to bolster Bangladesh's ICT sector.

KEPZ, a private industrial zone operated by South Korea's renowned Youngone Corporation, comprises around 22 factories producing 100 percent export-oriented goods. Youngone is the first and largest foreign investor in Bangladesh's textile and apparel sector.

To date, KEPZ has attracted more than $700 million in investment, primarily in textiles, garments, accessories, footwear, and IT services. The zone currently employs around 30,000 people, 75 percent of whom are women.

Strategically located just 15 minutes from Shah Amanat International Airport via the Karnaphuli Tunnel, KEPZ sits along the banks of the Karnaphuli River in Anwara, Chattogram, spanning 2,492 acres. This environmentally conscious zone is the only privately-owned export processing zone in Bangladesh.

In an effort to promote biodiversity, KEPZ has transformed a previously barren area into a green industrial landscape. Approximately 52 percent of the zone remains green and open, featuring 32 reservoirs for rainwater harvesting. 

A 40MW rooftop solar power project is currently operational, with plans to scale it up to 60 MW. Additionally, a central effluent treatment plant has been built to treat industrial waste.

The zone also offers a range of worker-friendly facilities, including canteens, healthcare centres, and a world-class fashion and textile college.

The delegation visiting under BEZA's initiative included senior officials from Beza, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, and the Senior Assistant Press Secretary, among others.

Briefing journalists at the end of the visit, Azad Majumder, CA's deputy press secretary, said, "Monday's site visits aimed to give investors first-hand exposure to the infrastructure, potential, and industrial environment in Bangladesh." 

"The event forms a vital part of the broader investment summit strategy to transform international interest into actionable commitments," he added.