PM Urges US Firms to Invest Confidently in Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged views with a 50-member delegation from the US-Bangladesh Business Council at his office.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today urged US companies to invest in Bangladesh with confidence and pursue long-term business opportunities, assuring them of government support and a more predictable, investment-friendly business environment.

“Our six-month-old visionary government wants US companies to invest in Bangladesh and expand their businesses. We welcome your capital, technology, expertise and global experience,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while exchanging views with a 50-member delegation of the US-Bangladesh Business Council at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

He said the government is committed to simplifying regulations, introducing business-friendly budgetary measures and pursuing liberal economic and fiscal policies to create a favourable environment for investment.

“Our goal is to build a private-sector-led, rules-based and globally connected economy. We want American businesses to be our partners in this transformation,” he said.

The delegation was led by Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Excelerate Energy Oliver Simpson and US-Bangladesh Business Council President and US Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President for South Asia Ambassador (retd) Atul Keshap.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s investment potential, Tarique said US companies could explore opportunities in energy, infrastructure, technology, digital services, finance, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics.

He said the government is working to strengthen investor protection, simplify regulations, improve tax and VAT administration, facilitate profit repatriation, reduce bureaucratic complexities and digitise public services.

“We are also improving infrastructure, ports, logistics and energy security, while encouraging investment in renewable energy and modern technologies,” he said.

The Prime Minister called on US companies to invest with confidence and build long-term businesses in Bangladesh, saying such investment would create jobs, expand trade and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

“Let us grow together and build a prosperous, competitive and globally connected Bangladesh,” he said.

Tarique said Bangladesh welcomes US investment through direct investment, joint ventures, public-private partnerships and consultancy services, with the aim of building a long-term and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

He also stressed the need to expand bilateral trade and strengthen Bangladesh’s export-import relations with the United States.

Referring to the government’s target of building a $1 trillion economy by 2034, he said Bangladesh is taking steps to transform the country into a manufacturing and investment hub through targeted incentives in priority sectors and greater investment in skills and technology.

“Our objective is not merely to attract foreign direct investment, but to build a lasting and mutually beneficial economic partnership,” he said.

The Prime Minister said his previous experience as a businessman had given him an understanding of the importance of sound policies and a favourable environment for business expansion.

“My message today is very simple: Consider the entire government as your partner. We are here to listen to you, respond to you and cooperate with you,” he told the visiting business leaders.

Tarique expressed hope that the delegation’s meetings with government officials would give them a clearer understanding of Bangladesh’s investment prospects and the government’s priorities.

Earlier, the delegation held meetings with several ministers, state ministers, advisers and senior government officials to discuss investment and business opportunities in Bangladesh.