Bangladesh seeks foreign investment through Commonwealth summit: Shama

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday highlighted Bangladesh’s ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing hub and sought to attract foreign investment through the upcoming Commonwealth summit.

She made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Arif Zaman, executive director of the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network, at the foreign ministry in Dhaka.

The meeting focused on strategies to promote Bangladesh as an attractive investment destination during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.

The two sides discussed presenting Bangladesh to prospective investors as a country offering policy continuity and stability, alongside its ambition to become a global manufacturing hub.

They also discussed strengthening agriculture and rural enterprises, developing sustainable opportunities in the blue economy, and expanding investment in renewable energy and the circular economy.

The discussion also covered the Commonwealth Women’s Forum, which will be held on the sidelines of CHOGM, and ways to use the platform to empower women entrepreneurs and help them realise their full potential.

The meeting underscored the potential of Commonwealth platforms to showcase Bangladesh’s investment opportunities and strengthen engagement with international investors.