Tarique Rahman speaks at the FICCI FDI Conference 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka on Thursday, calling on global investors to partner in Bangladesh's economic transformation. PMO
Bangladesh

Tarique unveils investment drive to achieve $1tn economy by 2034

Staff Correspondent

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called on global investors to become long-term partners in Bangladesh's economic transformation, pledging investment-friendly reforms and private sector-led growth to help build a $1 trillion economy by 2034.

Addressing the FICCI FDI Conference 2026: Driving Foreign Investment for Jobs and Prosperity in Bangladesh at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Dhaka, he invited both local and foreign investors to expand their businesses in the country, promising stronger legal safeguards, simpler regulations and a more business-friendly environment.

"Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, when you invest in Bangladesh, our government will invest in you through our time, support and policies. That is a commitment we will keep, InshaAllah," the prime minister said.

Speaking to foreign investors, business leaders, diplomats and development partners, Tarique said Bangladesh's future depends not only on attracting investment but also on building enduring partnerships.

"I invite every business leader in this room to become part of that future. Together, we can build an economy that is stronger, more equitable and more inclusive. I welcome all of you to invest and prosper in Bangladesh. Let us grow together, create jobs and build a prosperous, globally connected Bangladesh," he said.

The prime minister said the government is committed to creating a rules-based, globally connected and private sector-driven economy, and invited investors to join that journey.

He said Bangladesh's strengths include a large and expanding domestic market, a young workforce, a strategic geographic location and an elected government with strong public support.

"Together, these strengths position Bangladesh for sustained prosperity," he said.

Recalling his own experience in business before entering politics, Tarique said successful enterprises depend not only on entrepreneurship but also on supportive government policies.

He said investors had consistently called for stronger legal protection, modern regulations, a simpler tax regime, easier profit repatriation, a deeper capital market and improved infrastructure.

"We listened carefully, and now we are acting accordingly," he said.

The prime minister said the government is modernising the legal and regulatory framework, strengthening investor protection, improving dispute resolution mechanisms and simplifying tax and VAT administration.

Measures are also being taken to facilitate profit repatriation, deepen the capital market, support start-ups and reduce unnecessary regulations and bureaucratic hurdles, he said.

Tarique added that the government is digitising public services while investing in ports, logistics, transport infrastructure and energy security. It is also encouraging greater investment in renewable energy.

"Our government is determined to build a $1 trillion economy by 2034," he said.

He noted that the government's first budget introduced targeted incentives for priority sectors, including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, electronics, digital services, agro-processing, advanced textiles, healthcare and logistics.

The prime minister said Bangladesh is being positioned as a regional manufacturing hub while efforts are under way to expand and diversify the ready-made garment sector. The government is also investing in skills development, technology and human capital to sustain long-term economic growth.

Calling for closer collaboration between the public and private sectors, Tarique said Bangladesh could build a stronger, fairer and more inclusive economy through partnership.

Before inaugurating the conference, the prime minister visited the Investors' Expo, where he interacted with representatives of participating companies and organisations.

The day-long conference was organised by the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) as Bangladesh prepares for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category and seeks to attract higher levels of foreign direct investment.

Around 600 delegates from Bangladesh and abroad attended the event, including senior government officials, policymakers, regulators, diplomats, development partners, executives of multinational companies, foreign and local investors, business leaders and media representatives.

A FICCI FDI Report, containing analyses, observations and recommendations for improving Bangladesh's investment climate and promoting sustainable economic growth, was also unveiled at the conference.

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