FICCI delegation meets with special envoy Lutfey Siddiqi to discuss opportunities for foreign investment
The newly appointed BIDA executive chairman Ashik Chowdhury also participated in the meeting virtually from Singapore
A delegation from the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), led by its President Zaved Akhtar, met with Lutfey Siddiqi, the Chief Advisor's Special Envoy for International Affairs in the Interim Government of Bangladesh today at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) office in the capital, focusing on boosting foreign investment in Bangladesh.
The newly appointed BIDA Executive Chairman, Ashik Chowdhury, participated in the meeting virtually from Singapore, with Dr Khandoker Azizul Islam, Executive Member (Investment Environment Services) of BIDA, presiding over the session.
During the meeting, the FICCI delegation extended congratulations to Lutfey Siddiqi and Ashik Chowdhury on their recent appointments. The discussions centred around the challenges foreign investors face in Bangladesh, along with strategies to enhance the country's appeal as an investment destination.
President Zaved Akhtar presented a comprehensive overview of FICCI's activities, outlining key barriers faced by foreign investors as well as the opportunities, and heightened the need for some structural reforms to attract investments. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to overcoming these challenges and unlocking Bangladesh's potential as a premier destination for international investment.
Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi shared his vision for addressing these concerns, assuring the delegation that the government is committed to improving the business climate highlighting the importance of creating a favourable environment to attract and retain foreign investment in the country.
Speaking virtually, BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance the investment climate. Both Siddiqi and Chowdhury reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with FICCI and other stakeholders to implement necessary reforms.
"We have many potential investors in the pipeline who are eager to invest in Bangladesh, but they are currently facing several barriers," said FICCI President Zaved Akhtar. "It is essential that we work together to identify and resolve these issues so we can continue fostering economic growth and attracting more foreign direct investment."
The meeting was attended by FICCI Board members, Advisors, and senior officials from BIDA, including the Director General and other key representatives.