Dhaka //

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has announced that the government and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) will work together with the aim of attracting an additional US$5 billion in US investment to Bangladesh over the next five years. He stated that the government is fully prepared to collaborate closely with US companies to boost investment, create jobs, facilitate technology transfer, and expand economic opportunities in the country.

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the 30th-anniversary celebration of AmCham, held yesterday (Saturday) evening at the Radisson Blu Water Garden hotel in the capital. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal were present at the event.

The Commerce Minister noted that AmCham has played a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties between Bangladesh and the United States over the past three decades. It serves not merely as a business organization but as an effective bridge between the government and the private sector.

Khandaker Muktadir mentioned that bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the US currently exceeds US$13 billion. However, this relationship extends beyond mere trade statistics; US companies are making significant contributions to Bangladesh’s development through investment, technology, employment generation, knowledge sharing, and the implementation of global best practices.

He further highlighted that AmCham member companies have invested over US$5 billion in Bangladesh and contribute more than 20 percent to the national revenue. This investment reflects the confidence US businesspeople have in Bangladesh’s economy.

The Commerce Minister stated that AmCham leaders recently met with the Prime Minister and expressed interest in bringing an additional US$5 billion in US investment to Bangladesh over the next five years. The government will provide the necessary support to realize this initiative.

The Minister assured that whenever genuine business-related issues are brought to their attention, his ministry and the government would make every effort to find practical solutions.

In this context, the Commerce Minister cited the example of ‘Corteva Bangladesh,’ an AmCham member company, noting that a complex issue regarding the company’s industrial and commercial licenses was resolved within just one month through government intervention. Highlighting Bangladesh as a country with immense investment potential, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir noted its strategic location, young and skilled workforce, large domestic market, and significant prospects across various sectors—including technology, digital innovation, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services.

However, the Commerce Minister pointed out that opportunities alone are not enough to attract investment; investors also require predictability, an ease-of-doing-business environment, efficient trade facilitation, and a stable policy framework.

He further stated that the government is actively working to simplify business processes, enhance digitalization, expand trade facilitation, and create a more investment-friendly environment.

Regarding future economic relations, the Commerce Minister remarked that the next chapter of the Bangladesh-US economic partnership holds great promise. He expressed hope that more US companies would invest in Bangladesh, bringing in modern technology and global expertise, while also increasing market access for Bangladeshi goods and services in the US. The Minister emphasized that achieving these goals requires a strong partnership among the government, the business community, investors, development partners, and organizations like AmCham.

He called for collective effort to foster increased trade and investment, greater innovation, new employment opportunities, and a stronger, long-lasting economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States.

At the event, the Commerce Minister congratulated the members and all those associated with AmCham on its 30th anniversary and wished the organization continued success.

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