Investment pipeline reaches $1.3b: Invest Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s investment pipeline has reached US$1.3 billion, with over $400 million advancing to the decision or implementation stage, according to Invest Bangladesh.

The figures were released in an update on the investment promotion agency’s 180-day plan, launched on 16 March. 

The plan tracks progress across 20 initiatives focused on infrastructure, investment facilitation, and investment development.

China represents the largest share of prospective investment at $600 million, followed by the Middle East ($300 million), the United States ($200 million), and South Korea ($100 million).

By sector, renewable energy and ICT account for $300 million each, while healthcare and textiles have prospective investments of $200 million each.

Invest Bangladesh clarified that the $1.3 billion figure represents prospective investments at different stages of development and does not mean the funds have already been disbursed.

Ashik Chowdhury, chairman of Invest Bangladesh, said the 180-day plan focused on improving the conditions for investment through better infrastructure, more responsive services and a stronger pipeline of investment opportunities.

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“Some changes are already in place; larger projects will take longer to deliver,” he said, adding that the agency had committed to reporting on its progress after 180 days.

Under the infrastructure pillar, Invest Bangladesh highlighted progress on the $550 million Laldia Container Terminal, the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone, the proposed Mongla Economic Zone and the third terminal at Dhaka airport.

Groundbreaking for the Laldia terminal has been completed, with APM Terminals targeting completion in 2030. 

The terminal is expected to increase port capacity by 44% and create more than 700 direct jobs once operational.

The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone has an expected investment pipeline of $1.3 billion, including an active pipeline of $500 million. 

CRBC is targeting completion by 2028, with the zone projected to create more than 100,000 direct jobs.
A development memorandum of understanding has also been signed with CCECC for a 110-acre site adjacent to Mongla Port. The proposed $650 million investment will focus on agro-based industries and light engineering.

Under the investment facilitation pillar, Invest Bangladesh said the merger of BIDA, BEZA and the Public-Private Partnership Authority had brought investment promotion, economic zones and PPP activities under a single institution.

The agency also highlighted the three-day Business Starter Package launched on BanglaBiz and plans to establish an Invest Bangladesh office in Guangzhou in October to engage investors in southern China.

Under the investment development pillar, guidelines have been approved for an FDI incentive scheme offering eligible individuals 1.25% of the foreign equity they mobilise for investment in Bangladesh. 

A dedicated portal has been prepared, with the scheme scheduled to go live on 15 October.

Invest Bangladesh also identified Hotel Shoybal as the first pilot PPP project aimed at attracting private investment in public tourism assets. A feasibility study is underway for the 132-acre site.

The agency said it would continue publishing updates on initiatives affecting Bangladesh’s investment climate and the broader investment ecosystem.