Md Tarek Hossain: The four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 concluded on Thursday at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka, ushering in renewed hope for the country's investment landscape.
Organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) in collaboration with the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the summit drew more than 450 foreign investors from over 40 countries - including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, and Germany - highlighting the growing international interest in Bangladesh's evolving economy.
Unlike previous editions, this year's summit placed a greater emphasis on listening rather than only showcasing. The focus was not just on what Bangladesh offers but on understanding what investors need to feel confident in putting their money here. Discussions revolved around the pressing challenges investors face - policy inconsistency, political uncertainty, corruption, bureaucratic delays, and utility concerns - which they raised directly with policymakers and stakeholders. Organisers were praised for their open and practical approach, creating space for dialogue and transparency.
The summit wasn't just talk - it delivered results. A total of $260 million in investment commitments were pledged, with the largest coming from Chinese garment manufacturer Handa Industries, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to invest $150 million. Another major announcement came from homegrown e-commerce startup ShopUp, which secured $110 million in foreign funding. Several multinational companies, including Inditex of Spain and LafargeHolcim, expressed strong interest in expanding operations in Bangladesh, though exact figures are yet to be finalised.
Investors also toured key economic zones - including KEZ in Anwara, Mirsarai's Special Economic Zone, and the Japanese Economic Zone in Araihazar - getting a first-hand look at the country's industrial potential. Government officials said this exposure was crucial in helping reshape perceptions about Bangladesh as a viable investment destination.
Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus opened the main session and symbolised the country's push for sustainable and inclusive development.
In a symbolic gesture, Youngone Corporation Chairman Kihak Sung received honorary Bangladeshi citizenship for his long-standing contribution to the country's industrial growth - a move that sent a message of respect and recognition to foreign investors.
The summit also saw progress in non-financial agreements. For the first time, Bangladesh signed a cooperation deal with NASA, joining the Artemis programme, giving Bangladeshi youth access to space research opportunities. BIDA also signed an MoU with the International Labour Organization (ILO) aimed at improving worker welfare, which many see as crucial for attracting responsible investment.
BIDA has pledged to closely monitor all investment commitments from the summit through a structured "tracking" system. Officials emphasised that the real impact comes not just from announcements but from long-term follow-through. Business Development Head Nahiyan Rahman noted that most investments take 18 to 24 months to materialise and that building a strong pipeline of potential investors is key.
More than just a business forum, the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 acted as a platform for building trust among investors, between political groups, and within the public sector. Leaders from major political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens' Party (NCP), were present, assuring investors of continued political stability, regardless of political divides.
While many challenges remain, the tone of the summit was largely hopeful. Bangladesh opened its doors to the world and, in turn, the world responded with interest. The journey from promises to progress may be long, but the steps taken over the last four days have set a solid foundation for what's next.