The four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 commenced on Monday (7 April) at the Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, aiming to spotlight the nation's investment landscape and promote opportunities for foreign investors.
Jointly organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the summit comes at a pivotal moment following the political transition on 5 August and the industrial unrest that ensued.
The event seeks to reassure and reinvigorate foreign investor confidence in Bangladesh's economic future.
In a concerted bid to attract foreign direct investment, the interim government is showcasing Bangladesh’s comparative advantages and promising sectors to the international investor community.
The summit will place particular emphasis on five high-growth sectors: renewable energy, the digital economy, textiles and apparel, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing.
While the official inauguration is scheduled for 9 April, the summit’s opening day saw the launch of Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025 — a flagship initiative designed to highlight the nation’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
The Startup Expo, also held at the InterContinental, has drawn a vibrant mix of global investors, startup founders, and ecosystem enablers.
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of both BIDA and BEZA, and Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, finance adviser to the government, were present at the opening session.
At a press conference held in Dhaka on 6 April, Chowdhury Ashik remarked, “Foreign investors need a clearer understanding of Bangladesh's economic landscape and growth potential. This summit will not only showcase investment opportunities but also highlight the reforms undertaken to create a more business-friendly environment.”
Over 550 investors from 50 countries have registered for the summit, with China sending the largest delegation of approximately 100 business representatives. Other major participating nations include the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Singapore, and Japan.
As part of the summit, more than 60 foreign investors are expected to visit one Export Processing Zone and two Economic Zones, offering on-ground exposure to Bangladesh’s industrial capacity.
In a technological highlight, Starlink is expected to demonstrate live internet connectivity on 9 April.
Furthermore, Bangladesh is reportedly set to sign a non-military space exploration agreement with NASA, according to Chowdhury Ashik.
Five local and international entrepreneurs will be recognised with awards during the summit for their contributions to innovation and enterprise.
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to formally inaugurate the event on 9 April, alongside ambassadors, policymakers, and business leaders. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with business delegations from Germany, China, and South Korea.
In a notable political development, representatives from major political parties — including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) — are also expected to engage with investors during the summit, signalling a broad-based effort to attract and assure global capital.