Govt initiatives encouraging, investment climate promising

Foreign investors have praised the interim government's multipronged efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), stating that such proactive steps are likely to motivate more investors to consider Bangladesh as an investment destination.

On Monday, a delegation of around 60 investors from the United States, South Korea, China, Japan, India, Australia and the Netherlands visited the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Anwara of Chattogram as part of the ongoing four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025.

Over 500 foreign investors from 40 countries have arrived in Bangladesh to participate in the summit.

During their visit, investors went to various factories and installations within KEPZ and enquired about investment opportunities and facilities.

Following the visit, many investors observed that while previous governments made promises about attracting foreign investment, tangible results were limited.

However, they noted that the current interim government is not only speaking about FDI but also taking concrete steps which have significantly improved the investment outlook.

Md Shamim from Narayanganj has built a remarkable success story during his 18-year stay in Australia. He has established 108 franchise outlets of the global restaurant chain subway, making him the world's largest franchisee of the US-based brand. His annual turnover has now reached 120 million Australian dollars.

"I spend nearly 30 million Australian dollars every year just on restaurant condiments, most of which are sourced from China," said Shamim, who is also chairman of the Australia-based Shamim Group.

"Unfortunately, Bangladeshi workers make up only about 3.0 per cent of my 2,000-strong workforce," he also said, expressing his desire to recruit more workers from Bangladesh.

Shamim is currently exploring opportunities to manufacture packaging and other restaurant supplies in Bangladesh.

"The market potential goes far beyond my own outlets. With over 12,000 subway restaurants worldwide - and similar demand from other global chains - Bangladesh can emerge as a significant manufacturing hub for these items," he noted.

Youngone Corporation chairman Kihak Sung answered questions from investors after the visit.

In response to questions about KEPZ's competitive advantages over other economic zones, he highlighted several key factors.

Mr Sung said, "The land and infrastructure are fully ready for investment. Investors face minimal bureaucratic hurdles and can quickly obtain business licences and essential services. A hospital has been established to ensure healthcare for workers, and a dedicated textile institute is in place to develop skilled manpower. These facilities, among others, make KEPZ an investor-friendly zone."

He further noted that bureaucratic complexities surrounding business licencing have significantly eased under the current government, making the investment process smoother and faster.

He invited the foreign investors to invest in the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Anwara and beyond taking the advantages that the country offers.

"We had a tough time," Kihak Sung said, referring to the land- related disputes and said with new interim government in place things are fixed.

Kevin Wu, managing partner of China's Mega Rich Industrial Limited, said, "The new interim government is working to improve the business environment and has taken some promising steps. If these are implemented effectively, they will attract more investment. Many Chinese investors are already active in Bangladesh, and many more are interested - but they are closely watching what incentives Bangladesh will announce during this summit."

Dr Suresh Kapiti, managing director of Kapiti Overseas from Hyderabad, India, stated that he joined the summit to find a business partner to establish a compliant battery-recycling plant in Bangladesh.

"Improper disposal of used batteries is extremely harmful. Even non-compliant recycling is dangerous. India is facing similar challenges, and we've adopted strict regulations and technologies to ensure safe recycling," he added.

An investor from the Netherlands involved in the agriculture sector has also expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh if the business environment remains supportive and necessary services are guaranteed.

According to KEPZ authorities, the zone currently hosts 48 green industrial facilities spread over more than 7 million square feet, along with 10 design and development centres focused on research and innovation. A 100-acre IT park is under construction to bolster Bangladesh's ICT sector.

KEPZ, a private industrial zone operated by South Korea's renowned Youngone Corporation, comprises around 22 factories producing 100 per cent export-oriented goods. Youngone is the first and largest foreign investor in Bangladesh's textile and apparel sector.

To date, the KEPZ has attracted more than $700 million in investment, primarily in textiles, garments, accessories, footwear and IT services. The zone currently employs around 30,000 people, 75 per cent of whom are women.

Strategically located just 15 minutes from Shah Amanat International Airport via Karnaphuli Tunnel, KEPZ sits along the banks of the Karnaphuli River in Anwara, Chattogram, spanning 2,492 acres. This environmentally conscious zone is the only privately-owned export processing zone in Bangladesh.

In an effort to promote biodiversity, KEPZ has transformed a previously barren area into a green industrial landscape. Approximately 52 per cent of the zone remains green and open, featuring 32 reservoirs for rainwater harvesting.

A 40MW rooftop solar power project is currently operational, with plans to scale it up to 60 MW. Additionally, a central effluent treatment plant (CETP) has been built to treat industrial waste.

The zone also offers a range of worker-friendly facilities, including canteens, healthcare centers and a world-class fashion and textile college.

The delegation visiting under BEZA's initiative included senior officials from BEZA, Chief Adviser's deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and the senior assistant press secretary.

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