First Trade and Investment Conference Set for Dhaka

The first Bangladesh Trade and Investment Conference 2026 will be held in Dhaka on June 13, bringing together policymakers, diplomats and business leaders to discuss the country’s evolving trade and investment priorities.

The initiative comes at a critical time as Bangladesh prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026, while also pursuing new bilateral trade and investment agreements and working to strengthen foreign direct investment and overall economic resilience.

A high-level preparatory meeting for the event was held on Sunday at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka, chaired by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed Islam.

The conference is being jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) under the theme “Navigating Risks – Unlocking Resilience”.

According to officials, the one-day conference will bring together senior government ministers and advisers, foreign envoys based in Dhaka, representatives of multilateral development agencies, business leaders and private sector stakeholders.

Discussions will focus on key issues including trade and investment policy, financing and capital mobilisation, market access, industrial competitiveness, artificial intelligence, creative industries and the sports economy.

Around 350 participants are expected to attend the event, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

Officials said the conference is expected to serve as a platform to align Bangladesh’s economic strategy with its upcoming transition from LDC status and changing global trade dynamics.