Shibbir Ahmed — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged American companies to invest in Bangladesh with confidence and pursue long-term business opportunities, saying increased U.S. investment would create jobs, expand trade and further strengthen economic ties between Bangladesh and the United States. The Prime Minister made the remarks during a meeting with a 50-member delegation of the U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday.

“Our six-month-old visionary government wants US companies to invest in Bangladesh and expand their businesses. We welcome your capital, technology, expertise and global experience,” Tarique Rahman told the visiting business leaders.

He assured the delegation that his government would provide support for American investors while working to create a more predictable and investment-friendly business environment. The Prime Minister said his government is committed to simplifying regulations, introducing business-friendly budgetary measures and pursuing liberal economic and fiscal policies to encourage investment.

“Our goal is to build a private-sector-led, rules-based and globally connected economy. We want American businesses to be our partners in this transformation,” he said.

Opportunities for American businesses

Tarique Rahman highlighted investment opportunities for U.S. companies across a wide range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, technology, digital services, finance, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics. He said Bangladesh is taking steps to strengthen investor protection, simplify regulations, improve tax and VAT administration, facilitate profit repatriation and reduce bureaucratic obstacles.

The government is also working to modernize infrastructure, ports and logistics systems while improving energy security and encouraging investment in renewable energy and advanced technologies, he said. The Prime Minister called on U.S. businesses to look at Bangladesh as a long-term investment destination.

“Let us grow together and build a prosperous, competitive and globally connected Bangladesh,” he said.

Strengthening bilateral economic ties

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh welcomes American investment through direct investment, joint ventures, public-private partnerships and consultancy services. He also emphasized the government's desire to expand bilateral trade and strengthen Bangladesh's export and import relationships with the United States.

“At the same time, initiatives have been taken to align our economic partnership with the broader strategic interests shared by the two countries,” he said. Referring to the government's goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2034, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh is pursuing policies aimed at transforming the country into a manufacturing and investment hub through targeted incentives, skills development and investment in technology.

“Our objective is not merely to attract foreign direct investment, but to build a lasting and mutually beneficial economic partnership,” he said.

Government ready to support investors

The Prime Minister also referred to his own professional background in business before entering politics, saying that experience had given him an understanding of the importance of sound policies and a favorable environment for business expansion.

“My message today is very simple,” he told the visiting business leaders. “Consider the entire government as your partner. We are here to listen to you, respond to you and cooperate with you.”

Tarique Rahman expressed hope that the delegation's meetings with Bangladeshi officials would provide American business leaders with a clearer understanding of the government's priorities and Bangladesh's investment prospects.

“I wish all of you a successful visit. My government is ready to extend all possible cooperation to make it successful,” he said.

The U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council delegation was led by Oliver Simpson, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Excelerate Energy, and Ambassador (Ret.) Atul Keshap, President of the U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council and Senior Vice President for South Asia at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier, members of the delegation met with several ministers, state ministers, advisers and senior government officials to discuss investment opportunities and business prospects in Bangladesh.