Bangladesh has received investment proposals totalling $1.25 billion in the first six months of 2025, covering both domestic and foreign projects, officials reported at the 5th meeting of the Investment Coordination Committee.
The meeting was held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) under the chairmanship of the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs, Lutfey Siddiqi, with Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur and National Board of Revenue Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan in attendance.
Key Figures at a Glance
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💰 Total investment proposals: $1.25 billion
🌐 Foreign investment: $465 million
🏠 Local investment: $700 million
🤝 Joint ventures: $85 million
🇨🇳 Largest foreign contributor: China ($330 million)
✅ Proposals in final stage: $231 million (18% conversion rate)
📦 Idle containers at Chattogram Port: 6,500
📅 BBP soft launch: Early September; full launch by end-September
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Investment Breakdown: Foreign, Local, and Joint Ventures
Officials noted that the total proposals include $465 million in foreign investment, $700 million in local projects, and $85 million in joint ventures. Chinese companies submitted the largest foreign investment proposals, amounting to nearly $330 million. Other significant contributions came from Singapore, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
BIDA representatives reported that $231 million of the total proposals have reached the final stage, representing a conversion rate of about 18 per cent, compared with the global average of 15–20 per cent.
Chattogram Port Congestion and Container Auctions
The committee also discussed ongoing container congestion at Chattogram Port, where around 6,500 containers have remained idle. Officials noted that 1,000 containers were auctioned in the past two months, with a further 500 scheduled for auction next month. Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Siddiqi directed authorities to improve the efficiency of the auction process.
Bangladesh Business Portal Nears Launch
Progress on the Bangladesh Business Portal (BBP) was reviewed, an integrated online platform that combines services from BIDA, BEZA, BEPZA, and BSCIC. Officials said the portal is in its final stages, with a soft launch expected in the first week of September and full operation planned by the end of the month.
The proposals and initiatives discussed at the meeting reflect Bangladesh’s efforts to attract investment and streamline its business environment, while addressing logistical challenges such as port congestion to support smoother trade operations.
