AmCham Targets Additional $5 Billion in US Investment in Bangladesh Over Next Five Years

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) is working to attract an additional $5 billion in investment from the United States over the next four and a half to five years, with the 30th US Trade Show, scheduled to be held in Dhaka from November 5 to 7, expected to play a significant role in achieving the target.

Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on Monday, AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal said Bangladesh had received around $5 billion in investment from the United States over the past 15 years.

He said AmCham had discussed the possibility of attracting another $5 billion in US investment over the next four and a half to five years with the government.

“We are not claiming that the entire $5 billion investment target will necessarily be achieved. However, this trade show will make it easier to move towards that goal,” Kamal said.

AmCham had also raised the issue during a meeting with the Prime Minister on August 11.

Kamal said Bangladesh had considerable potential to attract more US investment, but energy security remained the most critical factor in encouraging investors.

AmCham is working with the government on the issue and expects to receive an energy roadmap from the authorities soon. A separate seminar on the energy sector will also be held as part of the trade show.

He said the organisation was prioritising sectors where US technology and innovation could be effectively utilised and where there were opportunities for value addition in Bangladesh, rather than seeking investment indiscriminately across all sectors.

According to the organisers, representatives from American chambers of commerce in different countries will attend this year's trade show. Investors from several companies that have not yet started operations in Bangladesh are also expected to participate.

AmCham considers generating investment interest among 10 to 12 new companies as one of the major potential achievements of the event.

A total of 36 companies and seven startups will participate in the exhibition, featuring 63 booths.

Among the US companies participating or being represented at the event are Caterpillar, Chevron, ExxonMobil, MetLife, Citi Group, Mastercard, Visa, Colgate-Palmolive, Philip Morris International, PepsiCo, Costco, PPG, UPS and Cargill.

The exhibition will feature dedicated zones covering power and energy, information technology and the digital economy, banking and financial services, consumer goods, manufacturing and logistics, education, and agribusiness.

Other attractions will include a startup zone, a carnival zone for direct shopping, and a heritage corner showcasing the history of the US Trade Show in Bangladesh.

Six thematic seminars will be organised during the three-day event. The topics will include power and energy, healthcare and medical technology, information technology and the digital economy, women's leadership, investment in the United States through SelectUSA, and Bangladesh-US trade relations.

Industry experts and government representatives will participate in the seminars to discuss opportunities and challenges in their respective sectors.

The organisers said the US Trade Show was first launched in Bangladesh in 1992 at the initiative of AmCham. After being suspended for several years, the event is returning following a break of around two and a half years.

The organisation is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Paul G. Frost, Commercial Counsellor at the Commercial Section of the US Embassy in Dhaka, was present at the press conference.