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Bangladesh has built a prospective investment pipeline worth around $1.3 billion, with more than $400 million already moving into investment-decision or implementation stages, as newly formed Invest Bangladesh completes its first 180-day investment action plan.
The pipeline covers infrastructure, renewable energy, information technology, healthcare and textiles. China accounts for the largest share at $600 million, followed by the Middle East with $300 million, the United States with $200 million and South Korea with $100 million.
Invest Bangladesh released the figures Tuesday while reporting progress on its 180-day plan, launched on March 16 to improve infrastructure, facilitate investment and develop a stronger pipeline of domestic and foreign investment.
Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said the plan was designed to support the government’s objective of building an investment-led economy, creating jobs and strengthening domestic capacity.
“Some changes have already taken effect. However, major projects require more time to implement,” Ashik said, adding that the update highlighted both achievements during the 180 days and areas requiring further work.
Among the major developments is the Laldiya Container Terminal in Chattogram, where the foundation stone has been laid for a $550 million project targeted for completion by 2030. The terminal is expected to create more than 700 direct jobs and increase port capacity by 44 percent.
Final-stage negotiations are also under way with an international terminal operator for a 15-year operation and maintenance concession at the New Mooring Container Terminal.
Construction of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone has begun, with China Road and Bridge Corporation targeting completion by 2028. A separate memorandum of understanding has been signed with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to develop a 110-acre economic zone beside Mongla Port, involving a proposed $650 million investment focused on agro-based industries and light engineering.
The investment pipeline also includes around $300 million each in renewable energy and IT, and $200 million each in healthcare and textiles.
Preparations are under way for a 412-acre PPP solar project at Sonagazi in Feni, while a third floating storage and regasification unit at Kutubjom in Maheshkhali is targeted for 2028, with a base capacity of 600 million cubic feet per day.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), however, has stressed that attracting investment requires more than incentives and promotion. It has highlighted the need for predictable rules, stronger institutions, skills development, infrastructure and better linkages between foreign investors and domestic suppliers.
A major institutional change has been the creation of Invest Bangladesh through the merger of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority and Public-Private Partnership Authority. It aims to provide investors with a more coordinated entry point.
The agency has introduced BanglaBiz, a three-day business starter package, while a 14-day business readiness package is under development. It also plans to open an office in Guangzhou in October to strengthen engagement with investors in southern China.
Bangladesh has also completed negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with South Korea, under which 97 percent of Bangladeshi products are expected to receive preferential market access.
However, the $1.3 billion pipeline should not be confused with realised foreign direct investment. Bangladesh recorded net FDI inflows of $1.77 billion in 2025, up from $1.27 billion in 2024, with much of the increase coming from reinvested earnings and intra-company loans rather than new equity.
The longer-term test, therefore, will be whether prospective investments become operational projects that generate jobs, exports, technology transfer and stronger links with domestic businesses.
