Published: 09:32 AM, 18 August 2026
Finance minister urges reforms to build investor confidence
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the government is working to create a more business-friendly environment by reducing regulatory barriers and making it easier for businesses to operate and invest in Bangladesh. He highlighted ongoing deregulation efforts, measures to address regulatory bottlenecks and reforms in taxation aimed at making the system more efficient and transparent. He also stressed the need to simplify port and customs procedures to facilitate trade and attract investment.
Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at the InterContinental Dhaka on Sunday, the finance minister said policy predictability and consistency are essential for strengthening investor confidence and supporting sustainable investment.
He said the government is working to bring greater expertise and automation into the tax system. It is also focusing on benchmarking compliant businesses, ensuring that tax obligations are properly met and accelerating full automation of taxation to reduce corruption and improve efficiency.
The minister made the remarks during an interactive discussion on “Building Investors’ Confidence: From Policy Reform to Effective Implementation”, attended by senior government officials, policymakers, business leaders, investors and AmCham members.
AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal said Bangladesh has strong potential to attract more US investment, particularly in emerging and technology-driven sectors. He said the country already has many of the fundamentals investors look for, but consistent implementation of policy reforms will be crucial to turning that potential into actual investment.
Kamal called for translating the current reform momentum into predictable and tangible results so that Bangladesh can strengthen its position as a preferred destination for US investment, technology and trade in South Asia.
HSBC Chief Executive Officer Md Mahbub ur Rahman said investor confidence depends on the security and stability of capital as well as a predictable and transparent business environment.
He stressed the need to build on Bangladesh’s competitive strengths and said facilitating trade could help attract more domestic and foreign investment. The luncheon ended with a question-and-answer session moderated by Kamal, where business community members discussed the economic outlook, revenue mobilisation, private investment and the regulatory environment with the finance minister.
The discussion also highlighted the need for better access to capital for startups and emerging businesses.
The event was supported by Chevron Bangladesh, HSBC, Transcom Group and Visa.
