AdminFICCI Delegation Meets with Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi to Discuss Investment Challenges and Opportunities in Bangladesh
Dhaka, September 17, 2024: 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 (September 17, 2024), at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) office in the capital.
The newly appointed BIDA Executive Chairman, Ashik Chowdhury, also participated in the meeting virtually from Singapore. The session was presided over by Dr. Khandoker Azizul Islam, Executive Member (Investment Environment Services) of BIDA.
The FICCI delegation congratulated Lutfey Siddiqi and Ashik Chowdhury on their recent appointments and engaged in a productive dialogue regarding the challenges of attracting foreign investment to Bangladesh.
President Zaved Akhtar presented a comprehensive overview of FICCI’s activities, outlining key challenges 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 pragmatic and forward-thinking approach to addressing investors' concerns, assuring that the government remains committed to creating a more favorable business environment.
BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, speaking virtually from Singapore, underscored the importance of continuous efforts to improve the investment climate. Both the Special Envoy and the BIDA Executive Chairman reiterated their commitment to implementing necessary reforms in collaboration with FICCI and other relevant stakeholders.
“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 members of the FICCI Board of Directors, Advisors, and senior officials from BIDA, including the Director General and other key representatives.
About FICCI
Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) the apex chamber of multinational companies has been working as the development frontier of Bangladesh by creating significant footprints in economic growth since its journey started in 1963. As a leading chamber, FICCI represents Foreign Investors from Thirty-five (35) countries across the globe in Twenty-one (21) sectors in Bangladesh. In its six decades of excellent journey, around 210 member companies of this chamber are contributing around 30% internal revenue of the government and representing more than 90% inward FDI in Bangladesh.
For further information
T.I.M Nurul Kabir
Executive Director, FICCI
Mobile no: +880 1711-563977,
Email: info@ficci.org.bd,
Subarna Mostafa
Specialist, Communication, PR & Stakeholder Management, FICCI
Mobile +880 1728 045819
Email: subarna.mostafa@ficci.org.bd
