Bangladesh Aims to Become South Asia’s Most Competitive Investment Destination, Says Foreign Minister

Bangladesh is committed to becoming the most competitive investment destination in South Asia, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman said on Saturday, emphasizing the government's determination to build a stable, predictable, and investor-friendly economy despite growing global challenges.

Speaking at the opening session of a high-level conference titled “Roadmap for Trade, Growth and Economic Diplomacy 2026: Navigating Risks, Leveraging Resilience” at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, the minister outlined the country's economic vision amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The conference was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). The day-long event brought together policymakers, foreign diplomats, development partners, business leaders, and economic experts to discuss strategies for sustaining growth and enhancing economic resilience.

Dr. Rahman noted that slowing global economic growth is placing increasing pressure on export markets, while volatility in international financial markets is making affordable financing more difficult for developing economies to secure.

He also highlighted the growing connection between climate vulnerability and external debt burdens, warning that developing countries are being forced to bear additional costs due to climate-related challenges. At the same time, the ongoing global energy crisis is driving up production costs and putting pressure on competitiveness.

According to the foreign minister, the government's economic agenda is built around three core priorities: stability, reform, and strengthening economic capacity. To achieve these goals, Bangladesh is restructuring its approach to economic diplomacy and expanding efforts to attract investment and deepen international economic engagement.

“Bangladesh is stable, predictable, and open for investment,” he said, reaffirming the government's commitment to fostering a favorable business environment.

Addressing representatives from the business community and diplomatic corps, Dr. Rahman stressed that the government remains dedicated to ensuring policy predictability, enhancing transparency, and implementing structural reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.

He expressed confidence that these initiatives would help position Bangladesh as a leading destination for trade and investment in South Asia while strengthening the country's resilience against global economic uncertainties.