Foreign investors and global brands reaffirmed their commitment to Bangladesh yesterday, voicing confidence in the country's economic prospects and policy environment at the Bangladesh Investment Summit in Dhaka.

At meetings held on the sidelines of the four-day summit, senior corporate executives and trade envoys conveyed their interest in expanding investments and deepening partnerships, especially in the garments, healthcare and infrastructure sectors.

Among those expressing fresh interest were Chinese apparel giant Handa Industries, Spanish fast fashion conglomerate Inditex, Swiss multinational Holcim Group and Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster, the UK's trade envoy to Bangladesh.

Handa Industries signed a $150 million investment agreement with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), with $100 million for the textile and dyeing sector within economic zones, and the remaining $50 million for garment manufacturing in export processing zones.

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of both Bida and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), and Heng Zeli, chairman of Handa (Dhaka) Textile Co Ltd, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations.

INDITEX EYES DEEPER ENGAGEMENT

Yesterday, Inditex CEO Oscar Garcia Maceiras met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at State Guest House Jamuna and praised the chief adviser's address at the summit as "very inspirational".

"Bangladesh is very business-friendly for sourcing," said Maceiras, who highlighted the country's strategic importance in Inditex's global supply chain.

The group, which owns brands like Zara, Bershka and Massimo Dutti, is the world's largest fast fashion retailer.

"We have very strong ties. We are looking to strengthen the relationship," Maceiras said, adding that Bangladesh is "better positioned" to benefit from shifts in global trade dynamics. He also applauded the diversity of products manufactured locally.

Maceiras announced a new agreement with the Asian University for Women in Chattogram to sponsor graduate and postgraduate education for at least 50 female workers from Inditex's Bangladeshi factories.

In a further show of commitment, Inditex is establishing a Chair for Spanish Language and Culture at Dhaka University and is preparing to launch air cargo services from Sylhet International Airport.

The chief adviser welcomed the company's social initiatives and encouraged further investment in healthcare services for garment workers.

UK PARTNERSHIP AND HEALTH SECTOR SUPPORT

In another meeting, Professor Yunus discussed broader cooperation with Baroness Winterton, focusing particularly on health and education.

"We currently have a shortage of nurses. But nursing is not just a national concern – it's a global necessity," said Yunus. "We want to train more nurses not only for Bangladesh but also for the world."

He appealed for UK support in bolstering Bangladesh's under-resourced health sector. "Government-run health programmes are nearly non-functional," he said. "This is where the UK can play a vital role."

Yunus also invited UK collaboration in pharmaceuticals, especially in advocating the removal of vaccine patent protections to enable local production under a social business model.

The chief adviser further highlighted opportunities in education, textile modernisation, defence, and aviation, reaffirming the country's commitment to women's empowerment across sectors.

Speaking earlier at the summit's opening, Baroness Winterton said British businesses were eager to expand in Bangladesh. However, regulatory issues and hurdles remain a concern.

"We also hear concerns from businesses about regulations and red tape," she said. "We welcome Bida's efforts to implement reforms quickly – this is restoring investor confidence and sending a clear message that Bangladesh is open for business."

HOLCIM BACKS LONG-TERM PRESENCE

Martin Kriegner, executive committee member and Asia, Middle East and Africa head of Holcim Group, also met with the chief adviser at State Guest House Jamuna. Discussions centred on cement consumption, environmental sustainability, and Holcim's future plans in the country.

Holcim, parent company of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh, is exploring innovations to reduce its carbon footprint.

Kriegner said the company is using non-recyclable plastics as fuel at its Chhatak plant, claiming zero environmental impact.

He also mentioned Holcim's carbon capture projects abroad, which could be replicated in Bangladesh.

Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh, expressing optimism for improvement in businesses in the coming months.

He said the company's introduction of construction aggregates in Bangladesh, which could save significant foreign currency.

Prof Yunus welcomed Holcim's continued investment and reiterated the government's pro-business stance.

"We are grateful to the government for their ongoing support, which enables us to produce world-class products in Bangladesh," said Kriegner.

He reaffirmed Holcim's commitment to being a long-term player in the market.