Staff Correspondent: The four-day "Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025" begins on Monday, showcasing the country's evolving investment opportunities and economic reforms.
The summit aims to portray Bangladesh's investment potential, highlight economic reforms following the July revolution, and create long-term investment pipelines for sustainable economic growth.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will formaly inaugurate the main event of the summit in the presence of ambassadors, top business executives, and policymakers on 9 April, as the first two days' schedule includes several side events for invited investors.
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.
Among the functions, Bangladesh Startup Connect-2025 will take place on Monday, 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 the ILO will be signed to enhance the investment climate.
On 9 April, the summit will feature a Starlink live internet demonstration.
The closing day will include breakout sessions on the digital economy, textiles, healthcare, and agro-processing.
Five entrepreneurs will be honoured during the summit. Additionally, one foreign businessperson, who has been in Bangladesh for 20-25 years, will be proposed for citizenship. The original nationality of the recipient has not yet been disclosed.
Several high-profile business leaders will attend the summit, including Rosie Winterton, the UK's trade envoy to Bangladesh; Mike Orgill, senior director, Uber; and Kyeongsu Lee, vice president, Samsung C&T.
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.