AmCham targets $5b fresh investment in Bangladesh.
DHAKA, August 11, 2026 — The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) has sought the government’s support to facilitate and mobilise an additional $5 billion in investment over the next five years, as the business body reaffirmed its commitment to Bangladesh’s economic growth.
A delegation of the AmCham Executive Committee, led by its President Syed Mohammad Kamal, also vice president of Mastercard, made the proposal when it called on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat today.
AmCham said its member companies have invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh over the years, with significant scope for further investment.
The chamber also said its member companies collectively contribute more than 20 percent of the country’s tax revenue, highlighting their contribution to the national economy.
During the meeting, AmCham stressed the need for a transparent, predictable and competitive business environment to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and support long-term economic growth.
The business body welcomed the government’s recent initiatives under the FY2026-27 reform package, particularly measures aimed at improving investment facilitation.
These include time-bound approvals and licensing, implementation of the Single Window system, digital tax and VAT administration, reduced compliance requirements, improved capital and profit repatriation, and simplified customs procedures.
AmCham, however, emphasised that long-term policy predictability would remain critical for boosting investor confidence, particularly in priority sectors.
On digital governance, the chamber welcomed the enactment of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the National Data Governance Act (NDGA).
It called for effective implementation of the laws alongside greater preparedness for artificial intelligence, stronger cybersecurity resilience, regulatory clarity and continued public-private cooperation.
The delegation also described the US-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement framework as a strategic opportunity to deepen bilateral economic relations and strengthen Bangladesh’s participation in global value chains.
AmCham urged the government to move beyond market access and develop a broader economic partnership covering technology, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, cloud and cybersecurity, healthcare and life sciences, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and financial-sector modernisation.
The chamber proposed establishing a Digital Economy Advisory Forum/Task Force and a Public-Private Competitiveness Council involving government, businesses, foreign investors and AmCham to identify investment bottlenecks and support implementation of reforms.
AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal said the organisation was ready to work with the government not only as an advocate but also as a strategic partner, by providing investor intelligence, facilitating policy dialogue, connecting Bangladesh with US corporate decision-makers and promoting investment opportunities in the country.
The delegation also invited the prime minister to attend the opening ceremony of the 30th US Trade Show as chief guest. The event will be jointly organised by AmCham Bangladesh and the US Embassy in Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman welcomed AmCham’s continued engagement and acknowledged its role in Bangladesh’s economic development.
He said Bangladesh had entered a new phase of economic transformation and offered a favourable environment for investment.
The prime minister stressed that the government’s priority was to ensure effective implementation of ongoing reforms while strengthening investor confidence through policy predictability, efficient governance and constructive engagement with the private sector.
He also assured prospective foreign investors of the government’s support and expressed commitment to deepening cooperation with AmCham to advance Bangladesh-US economic ties and shared prosperity.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun attended the meeting.
The AmCham delegation also included Vice President and MetLife Bangladesh CEO Ala Uddin Ahmad; Treasurer and Philip Morris Bangladesh Managing Director Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud; Executive Committee members Mohammad Habibur Rahman Bhuiyan, Mohammad Rashel Al Mamun, Mohammad Sazzad Hossain and Ataur Rahim Chowdhury; and AmCham Executive Director Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh.
