UAE Co eyes $2b investment in Bangladesh

United Arab Emirate-based investment and project financing company Equiline Finance has proposed an initial investment of more than US$2.0 billion in Bangladesh, targeting government-backed infrastructure and development projects across a wide range of sectors.

A high-level delegation from the company is currently visiting Bangladesh and holding meetings with relevant ministries and government agencies to explore potential investment opportunities, an official associated with the company said.

The delegation has already submitted an investment proposal to the government covering several priority sectors.

Equiline Finance has identified Bangladesh as one of its priority investment destinations, citing the country's sustained economic growth, expanding domestic market, successful implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects and strong track record of utilising and repaying international development financing.

The official said Bangladesh's nominal gross domestic product (GDP), estimated at around US$510 billion, its economy valued at approximately US$1.9 trillion in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, and the government's ambitious development agenda have encouraged the company to earmark an initial investment commitment of more than US$2.0 billion. The investment could be increased further if additional commercially viable projects are identified.

The company is interested in participating in projects under government guarantee, public-private partnership (PPP) and off-take agreement frameworks. It is also willing to finance private-sector projects, the official added.

Its proposed investment portfolio includes renewable energy projects, strategic energy hubs, electric buses under the proposed Clean Dhaka Project, waste-to-energy plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and the modernisation of ports, municipalities and other government institutions through logistics and equipment support.

The proposal also includes investments in the healthcare sector through the establishment of diagnostic centres, intensive care unit (ICU) and coronary care unit (CCU) facilities, dialysis centres and neonatal incubator services at district health complexes, alongside additional support for government hospitals.

In the agriculture and fisheries sectors, Equiline Finance has proposed financing multi-purpose cold storage facilities, grain storage infrastructure, fish and meat processing plants to boost exports, and dairy farm development.

The company has also expressed interest in investing in hotels and recreational parks to promote tourism, modernising Dhaka Zoo and Safari Park, developing data centres and digital platforms, and investing in methanol production and other chemical industries.

The delegation is led by Salah Al Nasser, Chief Executive Officer of Equiline Finance and Chairman of Faminas Investment Group, and includes Chief Investment Officer Ranadil Mizan.

Mizan said the company aims to become a long-term development partner of Bangladesh by supporting the country's sustainable economic growth through strategic investments.

He said rising per capita income, expanding import and export activities, and Bangladesh's proven ability to implement large-scale development projects have further strengthened the country's appeal as an investment destination.

Under its proposed investment framework, Equiline Finance will conduct internationally recognised feasibility studies to assess the technical, commercial and financial viability of projects before determining the most appropriate financing structure and commercial arrangements in consultation with the relevant government authorities, he added.