More than $400 million of the $1.5 billion foreign investment pipeline developed by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) in 2025 has already moved into execution or final investment decision, as the agency seeks to demonstrate that its investor targeting strategy is translating into actual projects rather than expressions of interest.
BIDA said on Thursday that it had built the pipeline by engaging 70 prospective investors from 20 countries and achieved a conversion rate of more than 15 per cent, with projects advancing to implementation. The agency said the conversion rate exceeded global benchmarks for investment promotion agencies.
The realised investments span textiles, manufacturing, construction materials, financial services, retail and export-oriented industries, with several projects expected to create tens of thousands of jobs while introducing new production technologies and strengthening Bangladesh’s industrial supply chain.
The largest commitment came from Hong Kong-based Handa Industries, which doubled its planned investment to $300 million from an initial $150 million announced during the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 after discussions with BIDA, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA).
The company has begun developing an $80 million garment manufacturing facility at the Mirsarai BEPZA Economic Zone and plans a further $220 million integrated textile and apparel complex in the Keraniganj Economic Zone. Together, the projects are expected to generate about 25,000 jobs while bringing higher-end textile manufacturing technology to Bangladesh.
Chinese manufacturer Hengli Group is investing nearly $35 million through its subsidiary Lead Bangladesh Textile Technology to establish an advanced textile production facility at the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Araihazar.
BIDA said the project would introduce automated manufacturing technology and help reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported textile accessories and specialised fabrics.
In the financial sector, Sri Lanka’s Softlogic Life Insurance has completed the acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Diamond Life Insurance, marking what BIDA described as Bangladesh’s first foreign direct investment in the life insurance industry.
The agency said the investment would introduce digital insurance services, including AI-based underwriting and faster claims settlement, while strengthening confidence in the country’s financial sector.
China Lesso Group has finalised a $32 million investment to establish a manufacturing plant at the National Special Economic Zone in Chattogram to produce construction materials including PVC pipes, sanitary ware, solar panels and water purification systems, reducing import dependence and supporting domestic infrastructure development.
Malaysia’s MR.DIY has continued expanding its Bangladesh retail network after receiving regulatory support to facilitate shareholder financing, growing from its first two outlets in 2024 to more than 17 stores nationwide.
Meanwhile, Megarich, one of the world’s largest producers of airline amenity kits, has committed about $15 million to establish production in Bangladesh after consultations with BIDA and the National Board of Revenue. The project is expected to diversify Bangladesh’s export base beyond garments by supplying global airlines with premium onboard products while strengthening local packaging and textile supply chains.
BIDA said it would further strengthen its sector-focused investment pipeline strategy through dedicated country and industry desks, with a target of adding another $1.5 billion in potential foreign investment during 2026.
