PM Tarique Rahman urges US firms to invest confidently, expand in Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged US companies to invest confidently and expand their businesses in Bangladesh, assuring them of investor-friendly policies, government support and a conducive business environment.

He made the remarks during a meeting with a 50-member delegation from the US-Bangladesh Business Council at his office in the Secretariat on Thursday (August 13).

The delegation was led by Oliver Simpson, vice president and chief commercial officer of Accelerate Energy, and Ambassador (Retd.) Atul Keshap, president of the US-Bangladesh Business Council and senior vice president for South Asia at the US Chamber of Commerce.

Tarique said Bangladesh welcomes US capital, technology, expertise and global business experience, and is committed to simplifying the regulatory framework, pursuing business-friendly budgets and adopting liberal economic and fiscal policies to attract investment.

The government’s broader objective, he said, is to build a private-sector-led, rules-based economy that is more closely integrated with the global economic system.

Identifying energy, infrastructure, technology, digital services, finance, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics as promising areas for US investment, the prime minister said work was underway to strengthen investor protection, streamline regulations, improve the tax and VAT systems, simplify profit repatriation and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

He also highlighted initiatives to modernise infrastructure, ports and logistics networks and strengthen energy security. The government is seeking to promote investment in renewable energy and advanced technologies as part of its broader economic strategy.

Tarique invited US businesses to engage with Bangladesh not only through direct foreign investment but also through joint ventures, public-private partnerships and consultancy services.

He stressed the need to further expand trade and economic ties between Bangladesh and the United States, saying the government was working to align the two countries’ economic partnership with broader strategic interests.

Referring to Bangladesh’s target of building a $1 trillion economy by 2034, the prime minister said targeted incentives in priority sectors, alongside investment in skills and technology, would help transform the country into a major manufacturing and investment hub.

He said the government’s objective was not simply to attract foreign investment but to build a long-term, mutually beneficial economic partnership with the United States.

Drawing on his own business background before entering politics, Tarique said he understood the importance of sound policies and a favourable environment for business expansion.

He assured the US business leaders that the government was ready to listen to their concerns, take necessary measures and provide support to protect and expand their interests in Bangladesh.

Earlier, the US delegation held meetings with several Bangladeshi ministers, state ministers, advisers and senior officials to discuss investment prospects and business opportunities. Tarique expressed hope that those discussions had given the delegation a clearer understanding of Bangladesh’s investment opportunities, policy priorities and the government’s economic outlook.