AmCham Pledges $5 Billion US Investment in Bangladesh Over 5 Years: PM Tarique Rahman Welcomes Reform Push

Dhaka, August 11, 2026 — The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) has pledged to facilitate $5 billion in fresh US investment over the next five years, as a high-level delegation led by AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat to discuss economic reforms, policy predictability, and the future of Bangladesh-US commercial relations.

💰 Key Pledges and Proposals

• 💸 $5.0 billion in new US investment over 5 years (in addition to $5B already invested by AmCham members)
• 💸 AmCham member-companies contribute over 20% of Bangladesh’s tax revenue
• 🤝 Proposed Digital Economy Advisory Forum and Public-Private Competitiveness Council
• 🏛️ 30th US Trade Show invitation extended to PM as chief guest
• 🌐 Sectors: technology, AI, digital innovation, cloud computing, cybersecurity, healthcare, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing

💬 AmCham’s Reform Wishlist

AmCham welcomed the government’s FY2026-27 reform package but stressed that reforms must be implemented effectively with greater long-term policy certainty. Key areas highlighted include:

• ⏳ Time-bound approvals and licensing processes
• 💻 Single-window system for investment approvals
• 📝 Digital tax and VAT administration
• 🛃 Simplified customs procedures
• 💹 Improved repatriation of capital and profits
• 🔒 Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and National Data Governance Act (NDGA) implementation
• 🤖 AI readiness and stronger cybersecurity framework

🌏 PM’s Response

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman welcomed AmCham’s engagement, stating that Bangladesh has entered a new phase of economic transformation. “The government’s priority is to ensure effective implementation of ongoing reforms while strengthening investor confidence through predictable policies, efficient governance and dialogue with the private sector,” he said.

Rahman assured prospective foreign investors of full government support and expressed a desire to deepen cooperation with AmCham. The meeting was attended by Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, PM’s adviser on ICT Rehan Asif Asad, and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.

🤝 Beyond Market Access: A Strategic Partnership

AmCham described the US-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement as an opportunity to move beyond traditional market access toward a broader economic partnership encompassing technology, AI, digital innovation, cloud computing, cybersecurity, healthcare, renewable energy, and financial-sector modernisation.

The chamber, which has promoted Bangladesh-US commercial relations since 1996, offered to act as a strategic partner — providing investor intelligence, connecting Bangladesh with US corporate decision-makers, and promoting the country’s investment opportunities internationally.

🏛️ Proposed Institutional Framework

AmCham proposed two new institutional bodies to strengthen government-business collaboration:

• 👥 Digital Economy Advisory Forum — identify regulatory bottlenecks in digital sectors
• 🏢 Public-Private Competitiveness Council — bring together government, local businesses, foreign investors, and AmCham representatives to implement reforms and provide feedback

📊 AmCham’s Existing Investment Footprint

AmCham member-companies have already invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh and collectively contribute over 20% of the country’s tax revenue. The delegation included senior executives from MetLife Bangladesh, Philip Morris Bangladesh, Excelerate Energy Bangladesh, NATco Bangladesh, Avery Dennison, ShopUp, and other major US companies operating in Bangladesh.

✅ What Comes Next

The $5 billion pledge, if realised, would significantly boost Bangladesh’s FDI inflows and support the country’s post-LDC graduation economic strategy. The proposed Digital Economy Advisory Forum and Competitiveness Council could provide the institutional framework needed to address the regulatory bottlenecks that have historically constrained foreign investment. The 30th US Trade Show, jointly organised by AmCham and the US Embassy, will serve as a platform for showcasing investment opportunities to American companies.