DHAKA, Jan 27, 2021 (BSS) – Experts at an investment summit observed
that Bangladesh’s liberalized investment policies and concessions are
encouraging the foreign investors to invest in the country.
They made the observation at the investment summit on “Showcase
Bangladesh 2021: China-Bangladesh Investment Summit”, a virtual platform
jointly organized by Standard Chartered and Bangladesh Investment Development
Authority (BIDA), recently, said a press release today.
The virtual event showcased the partnership potential between Bangladesh
and China and highlighted the emerging strategic opportunities in a shifting
global landscape. Over 400 delegates representing Chinese public and private
sectors, policymakers, investors, bankers and economists, along with
prominent leaders from the private and public sectors were in attendance.
Planning Minister MA Mannan joined the investment summit as the chief
guest while Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman
Fazlur Rahman, BIDA Executive Chairman Mohammad Sirazul Islam, Executive
Chairman of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Paban Chowdhury,
President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(FBCCI ) Sheikh Fazle Fahim and Chief Executive Officer of the Standard
Chartered Bangladesh Naser Ezaz Bijoy, among others, spoke on the occasion.
MA Mannan said, “Platforms such as ‘Showcase Bangladesh’ highlights the
importance of connecting with potential investment opportunities for shared
economic prosperity goals among all parties involved.”
Salman F Rahman said, “Our government is keen on facilitating trade and
investment for both Bangladesh and China. Bangladesh’s liberalized investment
policies and concessions encourage foreign investment and we see China as a
strong investment partner. We hope investment cooperation between Bangladesh
and China will reach new heights during Mujib Borsho – the birth centennial
of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”
Mohammad Sirazul Islam delivered the webinar’s keynote presentation that
highlighted opportunities for Chinese investors in sectors such as RMG,
leather, pharmaceuticals/API and medical equipment, software and IT, agro and
food processing, agro tools and machinery, electronics, automobile and
shipbuilding.
“Bangladesh is a rapidly growing economy country. The country has shown
resilience during these unprecedented times where we grew by 5.24 percent at
the time of the global pandemic. BIDA is also working to further improve the
investment climate for investors,” he added.
Sheikh Fazle Fahim said, “Such potential investment opportunities will
allow for maximizing knowledge to ensure sustainable growth for both the
economies involved.”
“Multimodal connectivity for enhanced communication and a consolidated
investment friendly environment will prove to be a win-win situation for both
Bangladesh and China,” he added.
Paban Chowdhury said, “We are currently developing one of the biggest
economic zones and have already developed 28 economic zones in Bangladesh. In
addition to ensuring access to land and industrial infrastructure, there has
been significant progress in mobilizing one-stop services for investors to
streamline foreign investment in Bangladesh.”
Naser Ezaz Bijoy said, “As Chinese firms seek new ports-of-call to
expand integration to global value chains, Bangladesh-China partnerships hold
a unique promise: deep ties and familiarity of centuries, but new and
untapped opportunities. To fully leverage these opportunities, a close
partnership between banks, investors and governments will be critical.
Today’s summit is our first step to establish the platform for this
collaboration.”
Executive Vice Chairman of the Chief Executive Officer of Standard
Chartered Bank (China) Limited Jerry Zhang also spoke on the occasion.