#Bangladesh #Dhaka #Bangladesh Investment #Muhammad Yunus #Economic Summit

Over 4,200 Join Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025

The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, which took place from April 9 to April 12, concluded with overwhelming enthusiasm, drawing more than 4,200 participants from around the world. This event underscored Bangladesh's increasing attractiveness as a global investment destination. The summit was inaugurated by H.E. Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, and a firm advocate for social and economic development.

The summit, co-organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), gained support from various prestigious organizations including UNDP and the World Bank. It encapsulated four days filled with dynamic discussions, networking opportunities, and strategic interactions aimed at solidifying investment commitments in Bangladesh's evolving landscape.

During the opening day, 710 attendees gathered, comprising a significant number of foreign participants and non-resident Bangladeshis, emphasizing a burgeoning global interest in the country. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with over 130 expert panelists through sessions, roundtables, and networking events that explored various facets of investment possibilities.

One of the key highlights of the summit was the facilitation of over 150 tailored Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings. This initiative allowed investors to interact directly with top government officials, including the Commerce Adviser, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The meetings promoted transparency and fostered a conducive environment for discussions around policy-making and regulatory frameworks that affect foreign investment in Bangladesh.

Moreover, the summit featured economic zone visits, where more than 100 guests were shown the infrastructure and facilities conducive to business operations. This hands-on experience was instrumental in showcasing the country's commitment to creating an attractive investment climate.

Significant Investments Secured

The summit also witnessed the signing of two major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), cumulatively yielding $260 million in anticipated investments from Handa Industry and ShopUp. Additionally, six strategic agreements were signed, covering crucial sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable trade, and agritech, highlighting the summit's comprehensive focus on sustainable and responsible business practices.

Noteworthy collaborations included:

• - Bangladesh’s participation in the NASA Artemis Accords
• - A power purchase agreement between PRAN and HM Group, supported by the International Finance Corporation
• - Partnerships involving the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNDP, and BIDA focusing on responsible business practices
• - Collaboration on renewable energy initiatives between Solar Power Europe and the Bangladesh Solar Renewable Energy Association (BSREA)
• - Partnerships between the Bangladesh Seed Association and Seed Netherlands for agricultural innovation
• - A Greenhouse Impact Cluster formed between the Dutch Greenhouse Delta and ACI for enhanced farming practices.

Cultural events also played a significant role during the summit, with a special evening titled 'Bangladesh Through a Different Lens', co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture. This event celebrated the rich heritage and artistic diversity that Bangladesh has to offer.

A Vision for the Future

Professor Yunus, during his inaugural speech, passionately stated, “Bangladesh is a country with crazy ideas to change the world. We invite you to join us not only to change Bangladesh with your business but to change the world.” His sentiments echoed the summit’s overarching theme of global collaboration towards inclusive prosperity.

BIDA's Executive Chairman, Ashik Chowdhury, also emphasized the urgency of engaging with international markets, declaring, “Bangladesh stands at the threshold of an economic renaissance. This summit is an invitation to the world to be part of our journey toward inclusive and sustainable prosperity.”

Prominent partners such as the EU, Dutch Embassy, and major financial institutions contributed to the summit's success, facilitating rich discussions that are set to shape the future landscape of investment in Bangladesh.

About BIDA

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) was established under the BIDA Act of 2016 and is central to promoting and facilitating investments in the country. BIDA plays a pivotal role in driving private sector growth by creating an enabling environment for local and international investments, providing policy advocacy, regulatory support, and operating the One Stop Service (OSS) portal.

For more information about BIDA and their initiatives, visit BIDA Official Website.