'BD has huge FDI potentials'

Businessmen at a conference here has said Bangladesh has an ample opportunity to attain foreign direct investment (FDI) for its strategic location in South Asia and low-cost communications.

 

They noted that a business-friendly environment is currently prevailing in Bangladesh, which is transparent and suitable for FDI and the access to utilities, legal and accounting procedures is very easy, reports UNB.

 

They were addressing the business session on Monday, ‘Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Efficiency and Growth-Policies and Incentives’ of the two-day Bangladesh Investment and Policy Summit 2016 at a city hotel.

 

Chaired by executive chairman of Board of Investment (BoI) Dr Syed Abdus (SA) Samad, the session was addressed, among others, by former chairman of Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) Prof SM Mahafuzur Rahman, Robi Axiata managing director Supun Weerasinghe, industrialist Salahuddin Kasem Khan, MCCI vice-president Akhter Matin Choudhury and first vice-president of FBCCI Shafiul Islam.

 

Cecile Fruman, director of Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice of World Bank Group, presented the keynote paper at the program.

 

Dr SA Samad said the incumbent government is very much open and cooperative to attract FDI.

 

Stressing the need for branding Bangladesh to attract FDI, he said the country needs huge FDIs as it has all the facilities for investment.

 

The BoI Chairman said the government has assured of providing all kinds of supports and facilities to investors alongside the incentives.

 

FBCCI vice-president Shafiul Islam said Bangladesh has some limitations but it has been marching forward with remarkable economic growth.

 

“Foreign investors will come … the government must ensure proper security and facilities for them,” he added.