State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam informed Parliament on Monday that the government has undertaken a series of coordinated initiatives to restore the confidence of international investors and expand Bangladesh’s export markets through strengthened economic diplomacy and investment-friendly reforms.
Replying to a question from ruling party lawmaker A E Sultan Mahmud Babu (Jamalpur-2) in the Jatiya Sangsad, Shama Obaed, speaking on behalf of the Foreign Minister, stated that the present government is committed to accelerating economic progress.
She noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working in line with electoral commitments to ensure sustainable and diversified growth while safeguarding national interests.
Market expansion and trade agreements
The state minister highlighted that alongside traditional markets in Europe and America, Bangladesh is actively exploring new opportunities in the Middle East, Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.
“Discussions are ongoing with several potential partner countries to sign bilateral trade agreements, Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA), and Free Trade Agreements (FTA),” she said, adding that these are expected to significantly boost exports. She emphasised that such agreements are being concluded under the “Bangladesh First” principle to ensure national economic interests remain the top priority.
Product diversification
To reduce the long-standing heavy reliance on the ready-made garments sector, the government is focusing on the diversification of export products. Shama Obaed informed the House that Bangladeshi missions abroad are organising trade exhibitions and participating in international fairs in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
Furthermore, initiatives have been taken to promote local products through international online marketplaces and utilise EPA facilities, while a national single-window system has been introduced to streamline import-export procedures.
Investment reforms and digital services
The state minister detailed several measures to create a more investment-friendly environment, including the launch of the BanglaBIZ portal, which offers one-stop digital services for investors. Other incentives include tax benefits, increased limits for capital and profit repatriation, and the identification of priority sectors for foreign investment.
She further noted that six key investment-related agencies, including BIDA, BEZA, and BEPZA, have been brought under a common coordination platform, while 32 reform initiatives are being implemented to address long-standing investor concerns.
Institutional support
To strengthen communication, the BIDA website has been redesigned with detailed sectoral information and research-based reports. Missions abroad are also working to simplify visa procedures, facilitate business delegations, and improve consular services.
Looking ahead, the state minister expressed hope that these measures would rebuild international confidence and attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI). The government plans to organise country-specific investment roadshows, sourcing meetings, and B2B matchmaking programmes.
Shama Obaed also highlighted increased diaspora engagement programmes to encourage expatriate entrepreneurs to contribute to the country’s development through investment, remittances, and technology transfer.
She concluded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue its close coordination with other agencies to strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a reliable destination for international investment.
