The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) hosted a high-level dialogue, calling for immediate and sustained government-private sector collaboration to enhance the country’s business and investment climate.
The event, titled “Bangladesh’s Business and Investment Climate: From Challenges to Competitiveness,” was held in a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday (November 30), according to a press release.
Participants from both the private sector and key government agencies stressed that improving the business environment is an immediate national priority. The discussion centered on transforming current challenges into competitive advantages for both local and foreign investors.
Top priorities highlighted during the dialogue included: Logistics efficiency, The need for better operational effectiveness in transport and supply chains.
Customs Processes: Achieving smoother and faster clearance procedures.
Regulatory Predictability:Ensuring greater certainty in rules and regulations for long-term planning.
Energy Security: Addressing vulnerabilities to ensure a reliable energy supply for industries.
Policy Continuity: Maintaining stable long-term policies to sustain investor confidence.
Digital Trade Facilitation: Leveraging technology to streamline cross-border commerce.
Recycling Incentives: Introducing specific policy support for the reuse and recycling industries.
The session saw significant participation from the government, signaling its commitment to reform. Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, attended as the chief guest, leading a senior delegation.
The dialogue brought together senior representatives from crucial government bodies, including the Ministries of Industries, Foreign Affairs, Finance, ICT, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), among others. This multi-agency presence underscored the collective need for stronger coordination among government agencies to improve global competitiveness.
Reflecting the continued importance of bilateral trade relations, Paul Frost, Commercial Counselor, US Embassy, Dhaka, also attended the program.
The event featured prominent business leaders and AmCham members, including Moinul Huq, Country Manager, Citi NA, and Rashed Mujib Noman, Managing Director, Augmedix Bangladesh. The event was moderated by Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh, Executive Director, AmCham, and also saw the presence of Betopia Group’s Founder & Group CEO, Muhammad Monir Hossain.
The participants unanimously agreed that sustained government–private sector collaboration is essential to achieving Bangladesh's long-term economic goals and positioning the country as a major investment hub.