Bangladesh open for business: FM

Bangladesh remains a stable, predictable and open destination for business and investment despite mounting domestic and global challenges, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said on Saturday.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to structural reforms and a more proactive economic diplomacy strategy.
The minister was speaking at the inauguration of the "Roadmap for Trade, Growth and Economic Diplomacy Conference 2026: Navigating Risks, Leveraging Resilience" at a city hotel.
He said the government is fully committed to implementing deep-rooted reforms to improve the ease of doing business and attract greater investment.
The government possesses both the political will and strategic vision to make Bangladesh the most competitive investment destination in South Asia, he added.
Outlining the government's strategy to deepen economic diplomacy and strengthen investment ties as part of its broader growth agenda, the minister stressed the need to transform current challenges into opportunities through enhanced trade and economic engagement.
The conference was jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
Mr Rahman, who is also President-elect of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, said Bangladesh is navigating a complex global environment marked by slowing trade growth, geopolitical tensions, policy uncertainty, climate risks, rising trade barriers and structural shifts in global supply chains.
"Therefore, our immediate priority is to restore full confidence and trust. We want to assure our citizens, our local business community and, most importantly, our international partners that Bangladesh is stable, predictable and open for business," he said.
Reaffirming that Bangladesh's foreign policy remains anchored in the principle of friendship, he said the government views foreign ambassadors not merely as diplomats but as key development partners, while business leaders are regarded not simply as investors or taxpayers but as stakeholders in the country's success.
"We will actively engage with your governments to modernise our trade agreements, pursue reciprocal market access and ensure that our foreign policy serves as a bridge for economic integration," he said.
He added that Bangladesh's embassies and high commissions around the world are being reoriented to function as proactive facilitators of trade and investment.
"We are here to listen to your feedback, address your concerns and safeguard your nations' economic interests in Bangladesh," the minister said.
The conference brought together senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, development partners and private-sector representatives to discuss a forward-looking agenda for Bangladesh's international economic engagement.
BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun presented Bangladesh's investment proposition, highlighting the government's reform agenda and investment opportunities available to international partners. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam moderated the opening session.
The first plenary session, titled "The Policy Compass: Advancing Trade and Investment", was also moderated by the Foreign Secretary and featured remarks from State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister's Advisers on Foreign Affairs and Education, and Expatriates' Welfare, Labour and Employment, Humayun Kabir and Dr Mahdi Amin.
The session provided a clear articulation of Bangladesh's economic diplomacy priorities for 2026, including market access objectives, the transition strategy for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, and the government's approach to strengthening investor confidence and competitiveness.
Responding to a question during the plenary session, Mr Kabir said Bangladesh seeks cooperation and constructive relations with India based on mutual respect despite current challenges in bilateral ties.
"We want cooperation with India, but it must be based on mutual respect," he said.
The conference also featured two additional sessions: "Capital for Growth - Finance, Commerce and Trade", which focused on financing reforms and investment mobilisation, and "The New Stage - Government Policy, AI, Creative Industries and Sport", which explored emerging growth sectors and opportunities for economic diversification.
Munni_fe@yahoo.com