Bangladesh is poised for a significant economic and employment boost following a major investment agreement with a Chinese textile company, according to Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.
Speaking at a press conference on the third day of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, the BIDA chief confirmed that a $150 million agreement has been signed, which is expected to generate employment for around 15,000 people.
“This investment is not just a financial milestone—it’s a huge step forward for employment generation in Bangladesh,” Ashik told reporters at a city hotel. “The Chinese investors have shown strong interest in our market, and this is just the beginning. Around 200 more Chinese investors are expected to visit Bangladesh soon to explore further opportunities.”
Ashik highlighted that foreign investors at the summit expressed interest in several key sectors, including textiles, garments, renewable energy, and light engineering—areas crucial to Bangladesh’s long-term economic strategy and employment goals.
“The textile and garment industries are labor-intensive. Large-scale investments like this can massively reduce unemployment and contribute to skill development,” he added.
One of the key achievements of this year’s summit, Ashik noted, is the bridging of foreign investors and Bangladeshi policymakers, facilitating a more transparent and investment-friendly environment.
Notable meetings were held with global players including Zara, Lafarge Cement, and German business representatives, reflecting the international appetite for investing in Bangladesh’s growing economy. Discussions were also held with the CEO of DP World, who has proposed to establish a free trade zone in Bangladesh to expand trade and commerce.
“We want to gain hands-on experience in managing a free trade zone. A delegation from DP World will soon visit Bangladesh to move this plan forward,” said Ashik.
In another progressive move, BIDA signed an agreement with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on Wednesday to improve worker living standards. Ashik emphasized that this is a strategic step to attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by ensuring ethical labor practices and sustainable development.
“This initiative with the ILO sends a clear message to global investors that Bangladesh is committed to both growth and responsibility,” he said.
The $150 million investment and the broader interest from global companies signal a turning point for Bangladesh, particularly in employment and industrial expansion.
With the potential to create thousands of new jobs, improve labor conditions, and attract more high-profile investors, the outcomes of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 could shape the country’s economic landscape for years to come.
“This is just the beginning,” Ashik concluded. “With continued collaboration and commitment, we’re ready to take Bangladesh to the next level on the global investment map.”
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