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Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said the government and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) will work together to attract an additional $5 billion in US investment to Bangladesh over the next five years.
The government is fully prepared to work closely with US companies to increase investment, create jobs, facilitate technology transfer and expand economic opportunities, he said.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme marking AmCham Bangladesh’s 30th anniversary at the ballroom of Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on Saturday evening.
Muktadir said AmCham had played an important role in strengthening economic ties between Bangladesh and the United States over the past three decades.
“AmCham is not merely a business organisation; it also serves as an effective bridge between the government and the private sector,” he said.
Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States currently exceeds $13 billion, the minister said, adding that the economic relationship between the two countries goes beyond trade figures.
US companies are contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s development through investment, technology, employment, knowledge and global best practices, he said.
The minister said AmCham member companies had invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh and contributed over 20 per cent of the country’s national revenue, describing the contribution as a reflection of US businesses’ confidence in Bangladesh’s economy.
He said AmCham leaders had recently expressed interest in bringing another $5 billion in US investment to Bangladesh over the next five years during a meeting with the prime minister.
“The government will provide the necessary support to implement this initiative,” he said.
“When a genuine business problem is brought to us, my ministry and the government will make the utmost effort to find a practical solution,” Muktadir said.
Citing AmCham member Corteva Bangladesh as an example, he said a complex issue involving the company’s industrial and commercial licences had been resolved within a month through government intervention.
Describing Bangladesh as a promising investment destination, the minister highlighted its strategic location, young and skilled workforce, large domestic market and potential in sectors including technology, digital innovation, healthcare, manufacturing and financial services.
However, he said opportunities alone were not enough to attract investment. Investors also needed predictability, ease of doing business, efficient trade facilitation and a stable policy environment.
The government is working to simplify business processes, expand digitalisation, improve trade facilitation and create a more investment-friendly environment, he said.
Looking ahead, Muktadir said the next chapter of Bangladesh-US economic relations could be even more promising.
He expressed hope that more US companies would invest in Bangladesh, bringing advanced technologies and global expertise, while market access for Bangladeshi goods and services in the United States would expand further.
He stressed the need for stronger partnerships among the government, business community, investors, development partners and organisations such as AmCham to achieve these goals.
“We must work together for more trade, more investment, greater innovation, new employment opportunities and a stronger, long-lasting economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States,” he said.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President Alauddin Azad, former presidents and current and former executive committee members of AmCham, government officials and business leaders attended the event.
