AmCham seeks govt support to facilitate $5b investment in Bangladesh over five years

Highlights:

• AmCham seeks government partnership to mobilise another $5b in investment over five years
• Chamber welcomes reforms on investment facilitation, tax, VAT and customs
• AmCham proposes digital economy and competitiveness forums
• Tarique Rahman assures foreign investors of government support

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) has sought the government's partnership to facilitate a further $5 billion in investment in Bangladesh over the next five years through its existing members and prospective US companies.

The AmCham executive committee made the request during a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat today (11 August).

During the meeting, the chamber said its member companies have already invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh and collectively contribute over 20% of the country's tax revenue.

AmCham urged the government to create an enabling environment to attract further investment and said it remains committed to strengthening Bangladesh-US economic and commercial relations.

The chamber welcomed the government's progress in improving the investment and business environment, particularly measures under the FY27 reform package.

It highlighted initiatives including time-bound approvals and licensing, implementation of the Single Window system, digital tax and VAT administration, reduced compliance requirements, improved capital and profit repatriation procedures and simplified customs processes.

AmCham also stressed the need for long-term policy predictability in priority sectors to support investor confidence and investment decisions.

On digital governance, the chamber welcomed the enactment of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the National Data Governance Act (NDGA).

It called for effective implementation of the laws, along with greater preparedness for artificial intelligence, stronger cybersecurity, regulatory clarity and continued public-private cooperation.

AmCham also described the US-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement framework as a strategic opportunity to deepen bilateral economic ties and strengthen Bangladesh's position in global value chains.

The chamber said economic cooperation should extend beyond market access to areas such as technology, AI and digital innovation, cloud and cybersecurity, healthcare and life sciences, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and financial-sector modernisation.

It also proposed establishing a Digital Economy Advisory Forum or Task Force and a Public-Private Competitiveness Council, with representation from the government, businesses, foreign investors and AmCham, to identify bottlenecks and support reform implementation.

The chamber reaffirmed its readiness to support the government by providing investor intelligence and business feedback, facilitating policy dialogue, connecting Bangladesh with US corporate decision-makers and promoting the country's investment opportunities internationally.

AmCham also invited the prime minister to attend the opening ceremony of the 30th US Trade Show, jointly organised by AmCham Bangladesh and the US Embassy in Bangladesh, as the chief guest.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman welcomed AmCham's continued engagement and acknowledged its role in Bangladesh's economic development.

He said Bangladesh has entered a new phase of economic transformation and offers a favourable environment for investment.

The prime minister said the government's priority is to ensure effective implementation of ongoing reforms while strengthening investor confidence through policy predictability, efficient governance and dialogue with the business community.

He also assured prospective foreign investors of the government's full support and expressed commitment to strengthening cooperation with AmCham to advance Bangladesh-US economic ties.