$5b American investment dream faces Bangladesh’s energy, policy reality

Bangladesh’s ambitious bid to attract an additional US$5 billion in US investment over the next five years is running into a harsh reality: investors want reliable energy, predictable policies and faster regulation�"areas where the country continues to struggle.

The government, working with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), is preparing a plan to bring in the fresh investment, potentially creating thousands of jobs, accelerating technology transfer and opening new export and economic opportunities.

But business leaders say Bangladesh will not be able to unlock the promised investment simply by setting a target. The real test is whether the country can remove the structural barriers that have long discouraged global investors.

“US investment will depend largely on how quickly Bangladesh can ensure reliable energy, predictable policies and a business-friendly regulatory system,” AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal said on Saturday.

He was speaking at a programme marking the 30th anniversary of AmCham Bangladesh at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, attended by government leaders, diplomats, business executives, current and former AmCham leaders and representatives of member companies.

Kamal urged the government to make greater use of the international experience, technology and expertise available through AmCham and its member companies to improve Bangladesh’s investment climate.

AmCham leaders had already discussed the five-year investment target with the government last month, calling for a clear two-year energy roadmap with six-monthly milestones to give investors greater certainty.

The chamber also demanded stronger protection of intellectual property rights, better cybersecurity and the effective implementation of regulatory reforms.

The message from US business leaders was blunt: capital will not follow ambition unless Bangladesh can guarantee the basic conditions for doing business.

Investors need confidence that energy supplies will remain reliable, government policies will not change unpredictably and investment decisions will not be trapped in regulatory delays, AmCham leaders said.

The warning comes as Bangladesh seeks to revive private investment and strengthen its position as a competitive destination for foreign capital at a time when businesses are already grappling with high operating costs, infrastructure constraints and regulatory uncertainty.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the government would work with AmCham to achieve the US$5 billion investment goal, acknowledging the potential of US companies to generate employment, transfer technology and expand economic opportunities.

The government would work closely with American companies to increase investment, he said, stressing the need for policy predictability, consistency, simplified trade procedures and a more investment-friendly regulatory environment.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, who attended the programme, described AmCham as a reliable partner of the US government in strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.

He expressed confidence that Bangladesh’s commitments under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade would produce more positive outcomes in the coming years.

AmCham has completed 30 years in Bangladesh, during which its member companies have established a substantial business presence in the country. But the next phase will demand more than celebrating past achievements.

For Bangladesh, the US$5 billion ambition is ultimately a credibility test. Unless energy becomes dependable, policies more predictable and regulation less burdensome, the investment target risks remaining a headline rather than becoming a balance-sheet reality.

The anniversary programme also saw the launch of the AmCham Excellence Award to recognise outstanding contributions across sectors.