US Tech Firms Eye Over $1b Investment in Bangladesh

US technology companies have expressed interest in investing more than $1 billion in Bangladesh, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor technology and other high-tech industries.

The interest was discussed at a high-level roundtable on technology investment, technology transfer and long-term strategic partnerships held in East Palo Alto, California, on September 28.

Titled “Technology Investment and Strategic Partnerships for Bangladesh’s Growth,” the roundtable brought together senior executives from the US technology sector and members of a Bangladeshi government delegation.

The discussions covered international investment, AI and data infrastructure, semiconductor technology, high-tech industries, technology transfer, skills development, research and innovation.

Hajjaj said Bangladesh had significant potential to attract international investment in technology, particularly in AI and semiconductors. However, he said turning investor interest into actual investment would require stronger technology-transfer mechanisms, a skilled workforce, greater research capacity and a business-friendly investment environment.

He said investment in AI and data infrastructure, semiconductor technology and other high-tech industries could help diversify Bangladesh’s economy while creating new employment opportunities.

The Bangladeshi delegation included Prime Minister’s Adviser for Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, and Prime Minister’s Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and IT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.

The discussion was moderated by Shamim Mohammad, executive vice president and chief information and technology officer of CarMax, and attended by senior executives from the US technology sector.

However, the state minister’s office did not identify the companies that expressed interest in the proposed investment of more than $1 billion. It also did not provide details of specific projects, investment timelines or whether any formal agreement or memorandum of understanding had been signed.

As a result, the reported $1 billion-plus figure represents expressed interest rather than a confirmed investment commitment.

Bangladesh has been seeking greater international partnerships in the semiconductor sector, with recent initiatives focusing mainly on chip design, testing and assembly, skills development and technology collaboration.

The proposed investments, if realised, could support Bangladesh’s efforts to expand its technology sector, attract foreign capital and develop higher-value industries.