Published: 09:41 AM, 01 May 2026
Stakeholders stress reforms to improve investment climate
Policymakers, business leaders and development partners on Wednesday underscored the need for comprehensive reforms to improve Bangladesh’s investment climate, emphasizing regulatory predictability, policy consistency and stronger public–private coordination to sustain economic growth and attract quality investment.
The views were shared at a business climate dialogue titled “Improving the Investment Climate: Why It’s Critical for the New Government Priorities and the Upcoming National Budget,” jointly organized by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Policy Exchange Bangladesh, with support from the Australian High Commission at MCCI in the city, according to a press release.
The event was attended by industry leaders, including Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan as Guest of Honour.
In his opening remarks, MCCI Secretary General and CEO Farooq Ahmed highlighted the need to strengthen the investment environment to support sustainable growth.
Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman and CEO Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, in his keynote presentation, stressed timely reforms to enhance competitiveness, unlock private sector growth and attract both domestic and foreign investment.
A panel discussion featuring representatives from business and professional sectors identified regulatory complexity, policy uncertainty and operational bottlenecks as key challenges facing investors. Unilever Bangladesh CFO Zinnia Huq said investors prioritize speed, transparency and predictability, stressing the importance of shifting toward institution-based governance to ensure sustainable confidence in the investment climate. European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) Chairperson Nuria Lopez highlighted the need for clarity on trade agreements, export access, customs modernization and energy reliability, along with stronger accountability in public–private engagement.
Margub Kabir, Head of Chambers at Margub Kabir & Associates, emphasized the urgency of updating procedural laws to make commercial dispute resolution more efficient.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan noted that reliable and consistent energy supply is essential for Bangladesh to move toward higher value-added industrial production. Speakers at the dialogue called for coordinated reforms and continued engagement between the public and private sectors, urging that discussions be translated into actionable policy measures to strengthen investor confidence and support long-term economic development.
