Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun on Sunday said the US administration’s tariff issue before the biggest-ever Bangladesh Investment Summit will have no negative impact, rather the additional push would help Bangladesh create a better environment in around investment attracting the global investors. 

“I don’t see any negativity at all. We think significant progress can be brought in around the overall investment climate. Our competitors (countries) are with us on the same boat. Our travel direction will most likely be the same direction that they will travel to. I am not worried at all,” he said while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing that highlighted the various aspects of the four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025.

Bangladesh is set to host global investors and top executives as the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 kicks off on Monday, aiming to spotlight the country’s evolving investment landscape, poised for transformative opportunities and unprecedented growth.

Global investment leaders, executives and industry pioneers will engage in discussion as Bangladesh redefines the future of investment in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Ashik referred to a report released by the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) on the Bangladesh investment situation that suggested some basic reforms in areas of customs duty, corruption and intellectual poverty protection.

He said they are trying to carry out these reforms; in fact they wanted to see a major reform in the investment sector so that doing business in Bangladesh can become easier. 

The BIDA Executive Director said they will be able to carry out some reforms based on this momentum that will be good for Bangladesh.

Investment Summit: Bangladesh eyes significant progress around investment climate

“I personally think it (US push) is a good signal and taking this opportunity we will try to create a better investment climate in Bangladesh in the future,” he said. 

The main event will be held at a city hotel on April 9 where Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will join. "It's a collective effort. Private sectors and embassies (foreign missions in Dhaka) are equally involved," said the BIDA Executive Chairman.

He said Bangladesh will listen to foreign investors to know how they view Bangladesh investment climate and how Bangladesh can further improve the investment climate.

Since domestic investors are major drivers, leading businessman Syed Nasim Manzur will also speak as the government wants to know local investors’ views.

Five companies and individuals will also be honored for their contributions and one of the foreign investors will be awarded honorary citizenship.

Ashik said there will be more rooms for having bilateral meetings, and there will be a corner for signing MoUs and agreements keeping eyes on future investment. “We are thinking of signing an agreement with NASA on non-military space exploration. Once it is signed, we will be able to share in detail,” he said. 

The BIDA Executive Chairman said they need to fix the global narratives on Bangladesh and improve the ease of doing business significantly.

“Foreign investors need a clearer understanding of Bangladesh’s economic landscape and growth potential. This summit will not only showcase investment opportunities but also highlight the significant reforms undertaken to create a more business-friendly environment,” he said.

Chief Adviser Dr Yunus returns home from BIMSTEC Summit

The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 is set to be a milestone event, reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic progress, investment-friendly policies, and long-term growth, he said.

Delegations from China, the UK, the US, Singapore, South Korea and India are among the global participants.

Baroness Rosie Winterton , UK's Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Jarno Syrjälä, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Inditex, Mike Orgill, Senior Director at Public Policy & Government Relations of APAC, Uber, Kyeongsu Lee, Vice President of SAMSUNG C&T, Jon Omund Revhaug, Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Asia, Han Jun-seokt, CEO of Giordano Korea are among the key guests, according to the BIDA.

On April 7, a big group of investors will visit the Korean Export Processing Zone and Mirsarai Economic Zone in Chattogram. On April 8, the foreign participants will visit the Japanese Economic Zone at Araihazar.

On March 23, the BIDA Executive Chairman said Bangladesh wants to give a "genuine view" of Bangladesh to the global investors, telling true stories of investment opportunities that Bangladesh offers. 

"It's very difficult to give investors a genuine view and tell the true stories until we bring them physically. We want to give the investors a real picture through the Bangladesh Investment Summit," he said.

Referring to remote research made by investors, Ashik said what the investors know about Bangladesh remotely without their physical presence is not the right picture of the country as the ground reality is different.

Responding to a question, the BIDA Executive Chairman said the investors are coming to Bangladesh, keeping in mind the "short-term disruption."

Ashik said they want to give a picture to the global investors that it is a different environment and the long-term view is still very positive.

He said there will be dedicated rooms for three political parties- BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party - so that the investors can get a view on the political front from the representatives of these political parties.

A cultural segment will also be there to present Bangladesh before the foreigners showcasing its rich cultural heritage.

On April 10, multiple breakout sessions will cover key investment sectors such as digital economy (led by Citi NA & UNDP), textiles (HSBC & BGMEA), agriculture and agro-processing (Dutch Embassy & LCP), and healthcare (Inspira, EBL & Sajida Foundation).

The day will also feature a matchmaking session and a roundtable discussion on global investment best practices.

Key partners for the event include UNDP, FCDO, Grameenphone, the World Bank, and FICCI, highlighting the collaborative efforts to drive foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh.

Ahead of the Bangladesh Investment Summit, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said, "There has never been a better moment to explore the extraordinary investment opportunities in Bangladesh."

Dr Yunus said Bangladesh has undergone profound transformations with a forward-thinking investment climate. "We are committed to ensuring a level playing field for all our investors," said the Chief Adviser in a message to global investors.

Dr Yunus said the Summit is a gateway for investors to have more data driven insights. "Come and witness the potential that Bangladesh holds for you. And join us in shaping the future of investment in one of the world's most dynamic economies."

The Chief Adviser said he is looking forward to welcoming the global partners and investors in new Bangladesh.