AmCham eyes $5b in fresh US investment

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) aims to attract an additional US$5 billion in US investment over the next four to five years, identifying energy security and a predictable policy environment as key factors in achieving the target.
The investment ambition comes as AmCham, in association with the US Embassy in Dhaka, prepares to organise the three-day 30th US Trade Show 2026, beginning Thursday at InterContinental Dhaka, to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties.
AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal outlined the investment target at a press conference at the hotel on Monday, saying Bangladesh had received approximately $5 billion in US investment over the past 15 years.
He said the chamber had discussed the potential to attract another $5 billion over the next four to five years during a meeting with the prime minister on 11 August.
“We believe this is an achievable ambition, and our goal could be even higher,” Kamal said.
However, he acknowledged that achieving the target was not guaranteed, saying the upcoming trade show would help create opportunities for new investments and business partnerships.
“We are not claiming that the entire $5 billion investment target will necessarily be achieved. However, this trade show will help facilitate the process,” he said.
Kamal identified energy security as one of the most critical factors in attracting foreign investment, alongside predictable policies, regulatory reforms and a stronger investment framework.
He said AmCham was engaging with the government to improve the business and investment climate and strengthen investor confidence.
Expressing hope that the government would soon announce an energy roadmap, Kamal said a dedicated seminar on energy would be held during the trade show.
The chamber has also identified several priority sectors for attracting investment rather than pursuing opportunities across all industries, he added.
“Our vision goes beyond increasing bilateral trade. We want to move towards deeper investment partnerships that benefit businesses, create jobs, and support sustainable economic growth in both countries,” he said.

According to Bangladesh Bank, the US is Bangladesh’s seventh-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI).
Trade in goods and services between Bangladesh and the US totalled an estimated $13.7 billion in 2025, up 10.3%, or $1.3 billion, from the previous year.
Trade show to promote business partnerships
The 30th US Trade Show, scheduled for 5-7 November, will bring together 43 exhibitors, including 36 companies and seven startups, across 63 booths showcasing American products, services, technologies and innovations.
Kamal said the exhibition aims to introduce American products and technologies to Bangladeshi buyers and businesses while creating opportunities for new commercial partnerships.
“We aim to expand trade, increase investment and create opportunities for new business partnerships,” he said.
Six thematic seminars will be held alongside the exhibition, bringing together policymakers, business leaders and sector experts to discuss Bangladesh’s economic priorities, investment prospects and opportunities for greater bilateral cooperation.
The discussions will cover power and energy, healthcare and medical technology, information and communication technology (ICT), the digital economy, women’s leadership and investment opportunities in the US.

The exhibition will also feature dedicated zones for power and energy, ICT and the digital economy, banking and financial services, fast-moving consumer goods, manufacturing and logistics, education and development, and agribusiness.
A separate startup zone will showcase emerging businesses and entrepreneurial innovations.
Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmed is scheduled to inaugurate the exhibition on Thursday. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen and other stakeholders are expected to attend the opening ceremony.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir is expected to attend the closing ceremony on Saturday.
AmCham Vice President Ala Uddin Ahmad, Adviser Paul Frost, Secretary Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyad and member Al Amin M Russel, among others, attended Monday’s press conference.
Kamal described this year’s trade show as more than an exhibition, saying it would serve as a platform for business networking, investment promotion and technology exchange.
The exhibition will remain open daily from 10am to 8pm. Visitors have been encouraged to register online for a three-day pass.