Bangladesh has set a target of attracting an additional $5 billion in investment from U.S. businesses over the next five years, as the government seeks to expand American investment, create jobs and accelerate technology transfer.
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the government is ready to work closely with U.S. companies to create greater opportunities for investment and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at the Radisson Blu Water Garden ballroom in Dhaka on Saturday evening.
U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President Ala Uddin Azad, former presidents, current and former executive committee members, government officials, business leaders and media representatives attended the event.
U.S. Businesses Already Major Contributors
Muktadir said AmCham has played an important role over the past three decades in strengthening economic ties between Bangladesh and the United States.
He described the organization not merely as a business association but as an effective bridge between the government and the private sector.
Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States currently exceeds $13 billion, he said, adding that the relationship extends well beyond trade figures.
U.S. companies are contributing to Bangladesh’s development through investment, technology, employment, knowledge and global best practices, the minister said.
He noted that AmCham member companies have invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh and contribute more than 20% of the country’s national revenue.
“These investments reflect the confidence of American businesses in Bangladesh’s economy,” he said.
According to the minister, AmCham leaders recently met with the prime minister and expressed interest in bringing another $5 billion in U.S. investment to Bangladesh over the next five years.
The government, he said, will provide the necessary support to help turn that ambition into reality.
“Whenever a genuine business problem is brought to us, my ministry and the government will make every effort to find a practical solution,” Muktadir said.
Government Promises Faster Solutions
The minister cited Corteva Bangladesh, an AmCham member company, as an example of the government’s efforts to resolve business-related challenges.
He said a complicated issue involving the company’s industrial and commercial licenses was resolved within a month following government intervention.
Muktadir described Bangladesh as a promising investment destination, pointing to its strategic location, young and skilled workforce and large domestic market.
He said the country also has significant potential in areas including technology, digital innovation, healthcare, manufacturing and financial services.
But he stressed that opportunities alone are not enough to attract investment.
Investors also need predictability, an easier business environment, efficient trade facilitation and a stable policy framework, he said.
Focus on Investment-Friendly Reforms
The government is working to simplify business procedures, expand digitalization, improve trade facilitation and create a more investment-friendly environment, Muktadir said.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that the next chapter of Bangladesh-U.S. economic relations could be even more promising.
He said he expects more U.S. companies to invest in Bangladesh, bringing advanced technologies and global expertise while helping expand access for Bangladeshi goods and services to the U.S. market.
Achieving these goals, he added, will require stronger cooperation among the government, business community, investors, development partners and organizations such as AmCham.
‘More Trade, More Investment, More Innovation’
Describing AmCham’s 30th anniversary as an opportunity to create new possibilities for the future, Muktadir called for greater cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.
“Together, we must work for more trade, more investment, greater innovation, new employment opportunities and a stronger and more enduring economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States,” he said.
The minister also congratulated AmCham and its members on the organization’s 30th anniversary and wished it continued success in the years ahead.
