BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury revealed on Sunday that the country received Tk3,100 crore in foreign investment from two major international companies during the recent Bangladesh Investment Summit, which marks a positive step toward attracting sustained foreign interest and building a strong investment pipeline.
Chinese garment manufacturer Handa Industries signed a $150 million agreement with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), while local B2B platform ShopUp received $110 million following a strategic merger with Saudi-based Sary, creating a new company called SILQ Group, added Ashik while addressing a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

He said the main goal of the summit was not just to secure deals but to change how Bangladesh is perceived by international investors.
He added that while major investments often take time to materialise, the summit allowed potential investors to see the opportunities up close.
“No one writes a cheque for Tk100 crore after a four-day summit. But we’ve shown them the sites, explained the process, and helped them understand how to get started. Many left with confidence and interest,” he said.

Ashik noted that 415 foreign delegates from 50 countries attended the summit. More than 3,500 participants took part, with 130 speakers and panellists contributing to the discussions. The government spent Tk1.45 crore to organise the event, with partner organisations also supporting the cost.
As part of the summit, six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering a wide range of sectors, from renewable energy to seed partnerships and international cooperation in trade and governance.

The $150 million investment from Handa Industries will go into Bangladesh’s textile and garments sectors. Of the total amount, $100 million will be used in textile and dyeing, while $50 million will support garment production. The investments will be implemented in the country’s economic and export processing zones.
Handa Industries is a well-known Chinese company specialising in knitwear, dyeing, and apparel. The MoU was signed on 9 April by BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Heng Zeli, Chairman of Handa (Dhaka) Textile Co Ltd.
Meanwhile, the merger between ShopUp and Sary has formed SILQ Group, which aims to become the largest B2B commerce platform across the Gulf and South Asia.
The merger is supported by $110 million in funding from Sanabil Investments, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and Valar Ventures, founded by tech investor Peter Thiel.
 The funding includes both equity and financing for SILQ Financial, the group’s financial services wing.
In a separate development, the government has cancelled approval for 10 economic zones following a decision made at the 8th meeting of the governing body of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), held on Sunday at the Chief Adviser’s Office.
The government has also decided to reopen the airports that are currently shut.
The scrapped projects include government-led zones like Sonadia Eco-Tourism Park in Cox’s Bazar, Sundarbans Tourism Park in Bagerhat, Gazaria Economic Zone in Munshiganj, Sreepur Economic Zone in Gazipur, and Mymensingh Economic Zone.
Private initiatives like BGMEA Garments Industrial Park, Chhatak Economic Zone, Fomcom Economic Zone, City Special Economic Zone, and Sonargaon Economic Zone were also cancelled.
Ashik Chowdhury said that such decisions are part of a broader effort to streamline the country’s investment strategy and ensure resources are focused on high-potential areas.
He expressed hope that even if just 10 out of every 100 investors move forward, Bangladesh could attract over $100 million in new investment. He also urged future governments to continue holding similar events to maintain momentum.
Ashik added that BIDA will maintain regular communication with summit attendees, including sending thank-you emails and encouraging them to visit Bangladesh again.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “The pipeline is growing, and with the right follow-up, the results will come.”