US business executives received an invitation from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to investigate business prospects in Bangladesh and collaborate with the nation as it works towards being a developed, rich, and intelligent society by 2041.
The Prime Minister said this during her opening speech at a meeting with the US-Bangladesh Business Council at her official residence, Ganabhaban.
She expressed optimism that economic engagement through the US-Bangladesh Business Council would deepen in the coming days. “The United States will become our long-term partner in achieving our development goals through trade, investment, technology transfer, and by creating a smooth and predictable supply chain for mutual benefits,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina hoped that the US-Bangladesh Business Council would continue to play a significant role in advancing trade and investment cooperation between the two friendly countries.
The Prime Minister mentioned the establishment of 100 special economic zones (SEZs) and 28 hi-tech parks, some of which are already operational.
She emphasised that Bangladesh has the most liberal investment policy in the region and is prioritising improvements to the investment environment.
Sheikh Hasina also highlighted Bangladesh’s upcoming transition from a “least developed” to a “developing” country in 2026. “We aspire to become a ‘Smart Nation’ by 2041. Here, we need your support in increasing our global competitiveness and expanding our export base.”
She noted that Bangladesh is globally acknowledged as a “role model of socio-economic development,” attributing this to good governance, rule of law, stability, investment in the rural economy, empowerment of women, and ICT advancements that led to Digital Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the United States as a major economic and development partner for decades, with intensive engagements in many areas, particularly trade and investment.
She added that the United States is currently the largest single-country destination for Bangladeshi exports, the largest source of foreign direct investment, and an important source of knowledge and technology.
