PM Tarique Rahman Urges Foreign Investors to Expand in Bangladesh, Pledges Policy Reforms

Dhaka, July 23, 2026 — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called upon foreign investors to expand their footprint in Bangladesh, pledging a business-friendly environment backed by policy reforms, legal protection, and government support to drive investment, job creation, and long-term economic growth. 🇧🇩

💼 The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) FDI Conference 2026, titled "Driving Foreign Investment for Jobs and Prosperity in Bangladesh", held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center (BCFCC) in Dhaka.

💬 PM's Core Message — "We Want Your Companies to Invest and Expand"

In a direct appeal to foreign investors, the Prime Minister framed his government's approach in unusually clear terms:

💬 "Today, I want to give you a simple message: the new, forward-looking BNP government wants your companies to invest and expand in Bangladesh. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, when you invest in Bangladesh, our government will invest in you through our time, support and policies."

🤝 He said that his government is committed to creating a rules-based, globally connected, and private sector-driven economy.

💬 "Our election manifesto provides a clear roadmap for economic transformation. We invite you not only to invest in Bangladesh, but also to become partners in delivering that vision."

🙏 Acknowledging Foreign Investors' Contribution

Expressing appreciation to foreign investors for their contribution to Bangladesh's development, Tarique Rahman said their investments have:

• 💼 Created jobs — Direct and indirect employment across sectors
• 🔧 Introduced new technologies — Modernising Bangladesh's industrial base
• 🌐 Strengthened global supply chains — Integrating Bangladesh into international value networks
• 📈 Contributed to economic progress — GDP growth, exports, and skills development

🎓 Personal Note — "I Started as a Businessman"

Drawing on his own experience as a businessman before entering politics, the Prime Minister offered a personal perspective on what businesses need to succeed:

💬 "Before entering politics, I also started my career as a businessman. From my experience, I have learnt that businesses do not succeed only because of entrepreneurial credentials or political promises. They partly succeed because of the government policies that support growth."

🎯 This personal framing was notable — positioning the Prime Minister not just as a political leader but as someone who understands the practical challenges of running a business in Bangladesh.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh's Strengths — The PM's Pitch

Highlighting Bangladesh's strengths, the Prime Minister said the country offers:

• 📈 Rapidly expanding domestic market — 170+ million consumers with rising incomes
• 👥 Young and industrious workforce — Demographic dividend with strong work ethic
• 🌍 Strategic geographical location — Between South Asia and Southeast Asia
• 🏛️ Elected government with overwhelming public support — Political stability for long-term planning

💬 "Together, these strengths position Bangladesh for sustained prosperity."

📋 What Investors Asked For — The Government Listened

The Prime Minister noted that though his government completed only five months in office, his party had started taking policy preparations long before the election. The government consulted widely with stakeholders:

• 👥 Investors — Domestic and foreign
• 🏭 Entrepreneurs — From startups to large conglomerates
• 🤝 Business associations — Chambers and industry bodies
• 📊 Economists — Academic and policy experts
• 🌍 Development partners — World Bank, ADB, IMF, JICA, and others
• 💼 Business leaders — From across sectors

💬 "Their message was clear: Bangladesh needs stronger legal protection for investment, modern regulatory framework, simpler tax system, easier profit repatriation, deeper capital market, and better infrastructure."

✅ "We listened carefully (to them), and now we are acting accordingly."

🏛️ Reform Agenda — What the Government Is Doing

The Prime Minister outlined a comprehensive reform agenda his government is implementing:

• ⚖️ Modernising legal and regulatory framework — Updating investment laws
• 🛡️ Strengthening investor protection — Legal safeguards for foreign capital
• ⚖️ Improving dispute resolution — Faster, fairer commercial justice
• 📊 Simplifying tax and VAT administration — Reducing compliance burden
• 💰 Making profit repatriation easier — Removing forex bottlenecks
• 📈 Developing a stronger capital market — Deeper, more liquid stock exchange
• 🚀 Encouraging startups — Ecosystem support for innovation
• 📋 Reducing unnecessary regulation — Cutting red tape
• 🏛️ Simplifying government procedures — Single-window services
• 💻 Digitising public services — Online approvals and payments
• 🚢 Improving ports, logistics, infrastructure — Reducing trade costs
• ⚡ Ensuring energy security — Reliable power for industry
• ☀️ Encouraging renewable energy investment — Green transition

🎯 $1 Trillion Economy by 2034 — The Headline Ambition

Noting that the government is determined to build a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034, the Prime Minister outlined the targeted approach in the first budget:

📋 Priority sectors for targeted incentives:

• ☀️ Renewable energy — Solar, wind, and green hydrogen
• 💊 Pharmaceuticals — Generic and specialty drugs
• 🔧 Electronics — Consumer and industrial
• 💻 Digital services — IT, ITES, and software
• 🌾 Agro-processing — Value-added food exports
• 👕 Advanced textiles — Technical and high-value textiles
• 🏥 Healthcare — Hospitals and medical devices
• 🚢 Logistics — Supply chain and cold chain

💬 "We are positioning Bangladesh as a manufacturing hub, expanding and diversifying our ready-made garment industry, and investing in the skills, know-how, and technologies needed for human capital development."

🔍 Why This Matters for Bangladesh's Export Economy

The Prime Minister's address at FICCI comes at a critical moment for Bangladesh's economy:

• 📉 FDI levels are low — Only 0.29% of GDP, vs Vietnam's 4.23%
• 📅 LDC graduation approaching — Will lose duty-free market access
• 🌍 Global supply chain restructuring — China+1 strategy creating opportunities
• ⚡ Energy sector challenges — Need investment in power and gas
• 🏭 Export diversification needed — Beyond RMG into pharmaceuticals, IT, electronics

🎯 The FICCI conference — and the Prime Minister's direct engagement with foreign investors — signals that the government recognises the urgency of the FDI challenge. The $15 billion annual FDI target by 2030 (set by FICCI in its roadmap) aligns with the government's $1 trillion economy ambition.

📊 What Investors Will Be Watching

While the Prime Minister's pledges were comprehensive, foreign investors will be watching for concrete implementation:

• 📋 Actual legislative changes — New investment law, tax reforms
• ⚡ Energy sector improvements — Gas supply, electricity reliability
• 🚢 Port and logistics upgrades — Reducing turnaround times
• 💰 Banking sector reforms — Resolving NPLs, improving credit flow
• 🏛️ One-stop investment services — BIDA effectiveness
• 📅 Policy stability — No sudden regulatory reversals
• 🤝 Bilateral investment treaties — Modernised BITs with key partners

The next 12-18 months will be critical. If the government can translate the Prime Minister's promises into tangible reforms, Bangladesh could finally begin to close the FDI gap with regional competitors. If not, the $1 trillion economy target will remain aspirational rather than achievable. 🚀