Dhaka: The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is creating a 'Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Heatmap' to identify priority sectors and attract investors to enhance economic growth. This initiative was disclosed at a seminar on 'Investment Prospects and Challenges' held at the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) auditorium in the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun Chowdhury attended the seminar as the chief guest, while BIDA Head of Business Development Nahian Rahman Rochi delivered the welcome speech. During his address, Rochi highlighted that globally, 3 to 4 percent of a country's GDP is considered the ideal standard for FDI. However, in Bangladesh, the FDI inflow decreased to 0.3 percent of GDP in the last fiscal year, down from about 0.5 percent in FY2020-21.
Rochi further noted that the FDI inflow has remained stagnant within a range of $1.3 billion to $1.7 billion over the past four years. Additionally, he mentioned that only 45 percent of the total amount is direct FDI, with the remainder being intercompany loans or reinvestments. BIDA is developing the heatmap to strategically highlight sectors and sub-segments where Bangladesh demonstrates a competitive edge and substantial growth potential.
ERF Secretary Abul Kashem moderated the event, which was chaired by ERF President Doulot Akter Mala.