PM invites global investors to partner in Bangladesh's economic transformation
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called upon global investors to become long-term partners in Bangladesh's economic transformation, saying his government is committed to building a $1 trillion economy by 2034 through investment-friendly reforms and private sector-led growth.
He also invited local and foreign investors to expand their businesses in Bangladesh, pledging stronger legal protection, simpler regulations and a more business-friendly environment.
“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.
That is a commitment we will keep, InshaAllah,” the Prime Minister said while addressing FICCI FDI Conference 2026: Driving Foreign Investment for Jobs and Prosperity in Bangladesh at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in the capital.
Addressing foreign investors, business leaders, diplomats and development partners, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh's future depends not only on attracting investment but also on building lasting partnerships.
“I invite every business leader in this room to become part of that future. Together, we can build an economy that is stronger, equitable, and inclusive.
I welcome all of you to invest and flourish in Bangladesh. Let us grow together, create jobs, and shape Bangladesh.
Let us become partners in building a prosperous and globally connected Bangladesh,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government wants to build a rules-based, globally connected and private sector-driven economy and invited investors to become partners in implementing that vision.
He said Bangladesh possesses significant strengths including a large and rapidly growing domestic market, a young workforce, a strategic geographical location and an elected government with strong public support.
“Together, these strengths position Bangladesh for sustained prosperity.”
Recalling his own experience in business before entering politics, he said successful businesses depend not only on entrepreneurship but also on supportive government policies.
The Prime Minister thanked foreign investors for choosing Bangladesh and said their investments have created jobs, introduced new technologies, strengthened global supply chains and contributed significantly to the country's economic progress.
“Our government has completed five months in office but our policy preparations began long before the election,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said the government consulted investors, entrepreneurs, economists, business associations and development partners before taking office.
He said they consistently highlighted the need for stronger legal protection for investments, modern regulations, a simpler tax system, easier profit repatriation, a deeper capital market and improved infrastructure.
“We listened carefully, and now we are acting accordingly.”
Tarique said the government is modernising the country's legal and regulatory framework, strengthening investor protection, improving dispute resolution mechanisms and simplifying tax and VAT administration.
He also said steps are being taken to make profit repatriation easier, deepen the capital market, encourage startups and reduce unnecessary regulations and bureaucratic procedures.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The Prime Minister said the government is digitising public services while simultaneously improving ports, logistics, infrastructure and energy security.
He added that greater investment in renewable energy is also being encouraged.
“Our government is determined to build $ 1 trillion economy by 2034,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the government's first budget introduced targeted incentives for priority sectors, including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, electronics, digital services, agro-processing, advanced textiles, healthcare and logistics.
Tarique said Bangladesh is being positioned as a manufacturing hub while efforts are underway to expand and diversify the ready-made garment industry.
The government is also investing in skills, technology and human capital development to support long-term economic growth, he added.
Calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh can build a stronger, more equitable and inclusive economy through partnership.
Before the formal inauguration of the conference, the Prime Minister visited the Investors' Expo where he interacted with representatives of participating companies and organisations.
The daylong conference was organised by the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at a time when Bangladesh is preparing for its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category and stepping up efforts to attract more foreign investment.
Around 600 delegates from Bangladesh and abroad including senior government officials, policymakers, regulators, diplomats, development partners, executives of multinational companies, foreign and local investors, business leaders and media representatives attended the conference.
A FICCI FDI Report was unveiled at the event, presenting analyses, observations and recommendations aimed at strengthening Bangladesh's investment climate and accelerating sustainable economic growth.
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