The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on Tuesday revealed that the country has received foreign investment proposals worth nearly US $1 billion over the past nine months, countering recent claims that foreign direct investment (FDI) has stagnated.
In an official statement, BIDA reported that from October 2024 to March 2025, Bangladesh attracted net FDI of $756 million (approximately Tk 9,247 crore), directly rebutting assertions made by “an industry representative” that no new FDI had entered the country in the last eight months.
“Such sweeping and misleading statements risk tarnishing the country’s investment image,” BIDA said, urging stakeholders to base public remarks on verified data.
According to the authority, 739 industrial projects were registered during the nine-month period, including 66 wholly foreign-owned enterprises and 61 joint ventures.
Additionally, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) signed land lease agreements with 16 companies, including six foreign-owned and three joint ventures.
The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) entered similar agreements with 31 companies.
These activities collectively contributed to foreign investment proposals totaling nearly Tk 12,220 crore (about US$1 billion).
BIDA highlighted its ongoing efforts to create a pro-investment climate through policy reforms, institutional development, and active matchmaking between local and international investors.
The agency also pointed to its work at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, where it facilitated sector-specific B2B networking sessions in collaboration with business chambers, banks, and private sector partners.
Looking ahead, BIDA announced that over 100 B2B meetings have been arranged for a high-level Chinese business delegation visiting next week, with a focus on textiles, food processing, and electronics.
“Foreign investment typically takes time to mature — a widely recognised reality in global investment promotion,” the statement noted.
BIDA reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, data-driven communication and called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively in projecting Bangladesh as a competitive investment destination.
