The National Committee on 'Repatriation of sale proceeds in private and public limited companies' has finalised a comprehensive set of reform recommendations aimed at simplifying and modernising the repatriation framework for foreign investments.
The committee, which includes representatives from Bangladesh Bank (BB), the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the private sector, has worked through multiple rounds of technical discussions.
These sessions were followed by consultations with valuation experts, merchant banks, private commercial banks, and tax lawyers. The extensive deliberations culminated in a formal submission of the final recommendations, said a press statement on Wednesday.
The national committee was formed at the instruction of Bangladesh Bank governor and the BIDA executive chairman on September 29.
On Tuesday, Nahian Rahman Rochi, Executive Member of BIDA and head of the national committee, presented the recommendations to Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Chairman of BIDA Ashik Chowdhury, and other senior officials of Bangladesh Bank.
Key recommendations are as follows:
• A significant increase in repatriation approval thresholds, and empowering commercial banks to process a larger number of cases without requiring prior approval from Bangladesh Bank.
• The introduction of time-bound Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for both commercial banks and the central bank to ensure faster processing and full visibility of end-to end timelines for investors.
• Updating Bangladesh Bank's existing guidelines to incorporate contemporary, globally aligned valuation parameters, while reducing documentation requirements, especially for long-standing companies.
• Formation of a "Repatriation Review Committee" with a clear mandate to resolve disputed or complex cases and deliver final decisions within 30 days.
• Development of a separate guideline and valuation framework for high-growth companies and startups, acknowledging their distinct valuation models. Target completion: Q1 of 2026.
• Long-term establishment of a national valuation certification authority to license and certify valuation companies.
• Enhanced capacity building for AD banks and Bangladesh Bank officials through specialised training and additional staff resources.
Commenting on the development, Governor of Bangladesh Bank Ahsan H. Mansur said, "These reform recommendations reflect our strong commitment to creating a more efficient, modern and investor-friendly financial ecosystem. By reducing delays and strengthening transparency, we are ensuring that Bangladesh remains a reliable and attractive destination for global investors."
BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said, "This is a timely and progressive step forward for Bangladesh's investment climate. The new framework will provide clarity, speed and predictability for foreign investors, supporting our broader goal of positioning Bangladesh as a competitive and trusted investment hub."
These reforms, once implemented, are expected to significantly improve the ease, speed, and predictability of repatriation, thereby enhancing Bangladesh's attractiveness as an investment destination.
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