FICCI FDI Conference 2026 Charts a New Roadmap for Foreign Investment, Jobs and Economic Growth

Dhaka, July 23, 2026: To accelerate foreign direct investment (FDI), create employment opportunities and drive economic growth, the FICCI FDI Conference 2026 on the theme “Driving Foreign Investment for Jobs and Prosperity in Bangladesh”, alongside the Investors’ Expo, was held July 23 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in the capital. Organised by the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), the day-long conference was inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Tarique Rahman, as the Chief Guest.
The international conference brought together nearly 600 distinguished delegates from Bangladesh and abroad, including senior government officials, policymakers, regulators, diplomats, development partners, multinational company executives, investors, business leaders and members of the media.
According to the organisers, Bangladesh is preparing for its post-Least Developed Country (LDC) transition while intensifying efforts to attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI). In this context, effective dialogue and stronger collaboration between policymakers and investors have become more important than ever.
Prior to the conference, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the Investors’ Expo and interacted with representatives of participating organisations.
The Prime Minister said that the government’s vision is to build a rules-based, globally connected, private sector-driven economy. He said, “Our election manifesto provides a clear roadmap for economic transformation. We invite you not only to invest in Bangladesh, but also to become partners in delivering that vision.”
He added, “Bangladesh has many challenges, but it also has remarkable strengths. We have a large and fast-growing domestic market, a young and hardworking population, a strategic location, and an elected government with overwhelming public support. Together, these strengths position Bangladesh for sustained prosperity.”
Highlighting the government’s initiatives to create a more investment-friendly environment, the Prime Minister further said, “We are modernising our legal and regulatory framework, strengthening investor protection, improving dispute resolution, simplifying tax and VAT administration, and making it easier to repatriate profits. We are also developing a stronger capital market, encouraging startups, reducing unnecessary regulation, cutting red tape, simplifying government procedures, and digitising public services. At the same time, we are improving ports, logistics, infrastructure, and energy security, while encouraging greater investment in renewable energy.”
He further said, “Our government is determined to build a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034. Our first budget provides targeted incentives for priority sectors, including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, electronics, digital services, agro-processing, advanced textiles, healthcare, and logistics. We are positioning Bangladesh as a manufacturing hub, expanding and diversifying our ready-made garment industry, and investing in the skills, know-how, and technologies needed for human capital development.”
FICCI President Rupali Haque Chowdhury said, “Bangladesh is entering a new phase of economic development. At this stage, quality foreign investment is critical to sustaining growth, creating quality jobs and strengthening the country’s global competitiveness. Strengthening constructive dialogue between policymakers and investors, while presenting practical recommendations to improve the investment climate, is the key objective of both this conference and the report.”
Discussions at the conference focused on measures required to further improve Bangladesh’s investment climate, strengthen competitiveness and enhance the ease of doing business. Participants also exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges in attracting greater foreign investment.
The conference also marked the launch of the FICCI FDI Report 2026, which presents analyses, observations and recommendations aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s investment climate and accelerating sustainable economic growth.
Presenting the key findings of the report, Dr. Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, said that Bangladesh has the potential to attract US$15 billion in annual foreign direct investment through policy reforms and effective implementation. The report outlines a clear roadmap to achieve this target.
A high-level panel discussion, moderated by Mahdi Amin, Adviser and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, featured Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Minister for Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute; Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Planning; Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology; Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA; and Tanvir Shahriar Ghani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Investment and Capital Market Affairs.
The conference was supported by leading multinational companies and corporate partners. Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Robi Axiata PLC were the Platinum Sponsors. Nestlé Bangladesh PLC, Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited and Youngone Corporation served as Diamond Sponsors. LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC, Unilever Bangladesh Limited, British American Tobacco Bangladesh, Grameenphone PLC, Aygaz Bangladesh, ABB Bangladesh, Coca-Cola Bangladesh, Singer Bangladesh Limited and Omera LPG were the Gold Sponsors. Syngenta Bangladesh, RSGT Bangladesh, Marico Bangladesh Limited, MetLife Bangladesh, Citi N.A. and Philip Morris Bangladesh participated as Silver Sponsors.

• Press Release