In a major push to reverse a prolonged foreign direct investment (FDI) slump, Invest Bangladesh has announced a 1.25% incentive scheme for local and foreign intermediaries who facilitate incoming foreign capital.
The equity-linked incentive will be awarded to eligible facilitators based on the volume of capital brought into the country, with a dedicated operational portal scheduled to launch on October 15.
The announcement came as part of Invest Bangladesh’s 180-day progress report following its March 16 strategic roadmap.
The report revealed advanced progress across 20 initiatives under 14 specific action tracks aimed at expanding infrastructure, cutting red tape, and unlocking investment opportunities.
According to official figures, the agency has generated a prospective investment pipeline of $1.3 billion over the past six months, with over $400 million already reaching the decision or implementation stage.
Capital interest is led by China ($600 million), followed by the Middle East ($300 million), the United States ($200 million), and South Korea ($100 million).
Primary funding interest is concentrated in renewable energy ($300 million), ICT ($300 million), healthcare ($200 million), and textiles ($200 million).
- Laldia Container Terminal: Construction has commenced on the $550 million greenfield project under APM Terminals. Scheduled for completion by 2030, it is projected to boost Chittagong Port's handling capacity by 44% and generate over 700 direct jobs.
- New Mooring Container Terminal: Final-stage negotiations are underway to grant a 15-year operation and maintenance lease to an international operator.
- Economic Zones: Foundation work has concluded for the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (targeting $1.3 billion in total investment). Additionally, an MoU was signed with a Chinese firm to construct a $650 million economic zone on 110 acres near Mongla Port.
To streamline bureaucratic entry points, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Authority were formally merged to create Invest Bangladesh.
The unified body has rolled out a three-day "Business Starter Package" on its BanglaBiz platform, while a 14-day readiness package remains under development.
Furthermore, the agency reported that 21 of 28 core issues raised during dialogues with private-sector leaders have been addressed.
On the bilateral front, Bangladesh finalized its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with South Korea, securing preferential market access for 97 percent of Bangladeshi exports.
Preparations are also underway to open an Invest Bangladesh branch in Guangzhou, China, to directly target investors in southern China.
In asset optimization, Hotel Shaibal has been designated as the pilot PPP project for state tourism infrastructure, alongside 44 private investment opportunities identified across 10,000 acres of unused state-owned industrial land.
