Effective reforms remain key to investor confidence
rnment to ensure effective implementation of policy reforms to strengthen investor confidence and attract greater domestic and foreign investment.
AmCham Bangladesh made the call at a luncheon titled “Building Investors’ Confidence: From Policy Reform to Effective Implementation” held at the InterContinental Dhaka on August 16.
Senior government officials, policymakers, business leaders, investors and AmCham members attended the event, which focused on improving Bangladesh’s investment climate and translating policy reforms into greater investor confidence and actual investment.
Opening the event, AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal highlighted the strong potential for increased US investment in Bangladesh, particularly in emerging and technology-driven sectors.
He said Bangladesh already has many of the fundamentals investors seek, but consistent and effective implementation of policy reforms is essential to converting that potential into sustained investor confidence and actual investment.
Kamal stressed the need to translate the momentum of reforms into predictable and tangible outcomes, which, he said, would help strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a preferred destination for US investment, technology and trade in South Asia.
HSBC Chief Executive Officer Md. Mahbub ur Rahman said investor confidence depends largely on the security and stability of capital, underpinned by a transparent and predictable business environment.
He stressed the importance of leveraging Bangladesh’s competitive strengths and said facilitating trade would help attract greater domestic and foreign investment.
Chief Guest Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, MP, outlined government initiatives to create a more conducive business environment by reducing regulatory barriers and improving the ease of doing business.
He highlighted ongoing deregulation initiatives and mechanisms through which businesses can raise concerns over regulatory bottlenecks.
On taxation, the finance minister said reforms are underway to establish a more efficient and transparent framework through greater expertise and automation.
He also highlighted government efforts to streamline port and customs procedures to facilitate trade and investment.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to engaging with the private sector, Amir Khasru said policy predictability and consistency are essential to strengthening investor confidence and supporting sustainable investment.
The luncheon concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session moderated by AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal. Business community representatives exchanged views with the finance minister on Bangladesh’s economic outlook and key policy priorities.
The discussion covered revenue mobilisation, private investment and the broader regulatory environment, including the need to improve access to capital for startups and emerging businesses.
The finance minister said the government is focusing on establishing benchmarks for compliant businesses, ensuring tax obligations are met and accelerating full automation of the taxation system.
He said greater automation would help reduce corruption and improve efficiency in tax administration.
The event was supported by Chevron Bangladesh, HSBC, Transcom Group and VISA.
