The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority’s (BIDA) structured lead generation and active pipeline management strategy, introduced in 2025, has begun yielding tangible results.
Over $400 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) has progressed to the decision and execution stages from a total pipeline of nearly $1.5 billion.
The overall investment pipeline involved 70 top investors hailing from 20 countries. Turkey, China, Singapore, the Netherlands, and South Korea emerged as the primary source countries for these investment proposals.
According to BIDA, the conversion rate from lead generation to the "decision and execution" stage exceeded 15 percent, outperforming international conversion benchmarks.
BIDA highlighted several major global and domestic agreements currently being implemented from the 2025 pipeline:
Handa Industries Limited ($300 Million): Hong Kong-based textile giant Handa Industries initially signed a $150 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. Following coordinated support from BIDA, BEZA, and BEPZA, the company doubled its commitment to $300 million. The investment is split into two phases: an $80 million garment factory in the Mirsarai BEPZA Economic Zone (creating 10,000 jobs) and a $220 million integrated textile complex in the Keraniganj Economic Zone (creating 15,000 jobs). The project will introduce high-end fabric production technology to Bangladesh.
China Lesso Group ($32 Million): Hong Kong-listed manufacturing firm China Lesso Group finalized a $32 million manufacturing plant. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) officially transferred 12.5 acres of land in the National Special Economic Zone in Chattogram for the facility. The plant will produce PVC/PEX pipes, sanitary ware, kitchen equipment, water purifiers, cables, and solar photovoltaic modules through its subsidiary Lesso Solar.
Hengli Group / Lead Bangladesh ($35 Million): Lead Bangladesh Textile Technology Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of China’s Shandong Hengli Textile Technology, initiated a $34.93 million project. Operating on 12.6 acres in the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) in Araihazar, Narayanganj, the automated facility marks the country's first international-grade advanced textile production plant, strengthening domestic RMG value chains.
Megarich ($15 Million): Global airline amenity manufacturer Megarich finalized a $15 million investment following series discussions with BIDA and the National Board of Revenue (NBR). As the world’s second-largest supplier of airline amenity kits—servicing carriers like Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Saudia—Megarich’s entry into BEPZA/BIDA zones represents a major step toward export diversification beyond traditional garments.
Softlogic Life Insurance PLC ($1.9 Million): Sri Lanka’s second-largest life insurer, Softlogic Life, is acquiring a 60 percent stake in Bangladesh’s Diamond Life Insurance Company Limited for nearly $2 million. BIDA facilitated the cross-border deal, which brings advanced InsureTech capabilities, AI-driven underwriting, and a one-day claim settlement framework ("InstaClaim") to Bangladesh's financial sector.
MR.DIY Retail Expansion: Malaysian home improvement retail giant MR.DIY expanded its nationwide presence following regulatory guidance from BIDA and Bangladesh Bank regarding shareholder loans. Expanding beyond its early 2024 outlets, the brand now operates over 17 mega-stores across Dhaka, Chattogram (Halishahar), and Rajshahi, offering over 17,000 products across five core categories.
Reflecting on the progress, BIDA stated that converting over $400 million from a $1.5 billion pipeline within 12 to 15 months reflects strong investor confidence.
The entity announced plans to further intensify its lead generation activities through dedicated country- and sector-specific desks, aiming to add another $1.5 billion in prospective foreign investments to the pipeline in 2026, according to a BIDA release.