Policymakers and business leaders called for urgent reforms to improve regulatory predictability and ease of doing business to attract quality investment as Bangladesh prepares its reform agenda and upcoming national budget.
The discussion took place on Wednesday at the Business Climate Dialogue in Dhaka, organised by Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB) with support from the Australian High Commission.
The event brought together public and private sector stakeholders to identify key barriers to investment and outline policy priorities at a time when the new government is shaping its economic strategy.
MCCI Secretary General and CEO Farooq Ahmed said strengthening the investment climate is essential to sustain economic growth and maintain investor confidence.
Timely reforms are needed to unlock private sector growth, improve competitiveness and attract both domestic and foreign investment, said PEB Chairman and CEO M Masrur Reaz.
A panel discussion moderated by him highlighted regulatory complexity, policy uncertainty and weak institutional coordination as major constraints facing businesses.
Investors prioritise speed, transparency, predictability and coordination among authorities, said Unilever Bangladesh Chief Financial Officer Zinnia Huq.
Policies must shift from person-dependent to institution-based frameworks to ensure sustainable investor confidence, she said.
Uncertainty over free trade agreements and export access continues to deter investment, said European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh Chairperson Nuria Lopez.
Clear policy commitments, modern customs systems, improved energy supply and stronger public-private engagement with accountability are needed to address those concerns, she said.
Outdated procedural laws are slowing commercial dispute resolution and need reform to support business activity, said Margub Kabir & Associates Head of Chambers Margub Kabir.
Consistent and quality energy supply is critical for moving into higher value-added industries, said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Mahmud Hasan Khan.
Without reliable energy, upgrading the industrial base will remain difficult, he said.
Participants said fragmented regulations, policy uncertainty and institutional weaknesses are increasing the cost of doing business.
They called for coordinated reforms and sustained engagement between the public and private sectors to translate policy discussions into actionable measures.
The dialogue concluded with a call to implement reforms that can strengthen investor confidence and support long-term economic growth.
