Driving investment reform: Policymakers, business leaders convene to shape economic future

At a critical juncture for Bangladesh’s economy, policymakers and business leaders on Tuesday underscored the need to strengthen the country’s investment climate to sustain growth and attract quality investment.

With the new government setting its reform agenda following the recent election, speakers stressed the urgency of improving regulatory predictability, ease of doing business and investor confidence—key factors expected to shape policy priorities and the upcoming national budget.

The Business Climate Dialogue, titled “Improving the Investment Climate: Why It’s Critical for the New Government Priorities and the Upcoming National Budget,” was jointly organised by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Policy Exchange Bangladesh, with support from the Australian High Commission. The event was attended as guest of honour by Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

In his welcome remarks, Farooq Ahmed, secretary general and chief executive officer of MCCI, set the context for the discussion, highlighting the importance of a stronger investment climate to support sustainable economic growth.

Delivering the keynote address, M Masrur Reaz, chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, emphasised the need for timely reforms to unlock private sector growth, enhance competitiveness and attract both domestic and foreign investment.

A panel discussion, moderated by Dr Reaz, brought together leading industry figures, including Nuria Lopez of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham), Margub Kabir of Margub Kabir & Associates, and Zinnia Huq of Unilever Bangladesh Limited.

The panel identified key constraints facing businesses, including regulatory complexity, policy uncertainty and barriers to investment, while offering practical recommendations to improve the overall business environment.

Zinnia Huq noted that investors prioritise speed, transparency, predictability and coordination among authorities, stressing the need to shift from person-dependent decision-making to institution-based governance to build sustainable confidence.

Nuria Lopez highlighted that without clear commitments on free trade agreements and reliable export market access, investors remain hesitant. She also emphasised the need for policy consistency, modernisation of customs systems, improved energy supply and stronger public-private engagement with clear accountability mechanisms.

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Margub Kabir pointed to the importance of reforming outdated procedural laws to streamline and improve the resolution of commercial disputes.

Mahmud Hasan Khan warned that without consistent and quality energy supply, it would be difficult for Bangladesh to move into higher value-added industries.

The dialogue concluded with a strong call for coordinated reforms and sustained engagement between the public and private sectors. Participants stressed the importance of translating discussions into actionable policy measures to strengthen investor confidence and support long-term economic growth.