Dhaka: Bangladesh and the United Kingdom (UK) have reinforced their long-standing economic partnership through high-level discussions on trade and investment, with a focus on education, aviation, and renewable energy. UK Investment Minister Baroness Gustafsson of Chesterton CBE recently met with Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun to explore ways to expand foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthen business ties, said a press release today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ashik Chowdhury held a series of meetings with senior UK officials, leading businesses, and Non-Resident Bangladeshis in London from March 10-13. The executive chairman emphasized the importance of the visit in reaffirming the strong and long-standing economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. He stated that discussions were centered on expanding investment in both services and manufacturing sectors, with the UK showing continued support to improve Bangladesh’s investment climate.
During the meeting, UK’s Trade Envoy for Bangladesh, the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE, expressed strong interest in the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, highlighting the UK’s commitment to deepening economic engagement. Owen Jenkins, Director General for the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa (FCDO), reaffirmed the UK’s support for Bangladesh’s economic reforms and investment-friendly policies.
Additional meetings with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) focused on collaboration in industrial development, advanced technology, and infrastructure projects. Chowdhury also engaged with top UK businesses to showcase Bangladesh’s investment potential and explore new partnerships in finance, manufacturing, and technology, including key meetings with HSBC, Airbus, Dewhirst Group, and Menzies.
The BIDA-BEZA chief further reinforced Bangladesh’s commitment to higher education through discussions at the University of London and SOAS, focusing on academic partnerships, research collaboration, and youth empowerment initiatives. As part of the “Made in the UK, Sold to the Indo-Pacific” roadshow, Chowdhury delivered a keynote presentation on Bangladesh’s investment and export opportunities, highlighting the country’s strategic location, rapid economic growth, and emerging role as a regional production hub.
Throughout the visit, Chowdhury engaged with non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), UK business associations, and trade groups, further reinforcing Bangladesh’s reputation as a high-potential investment destination. The United Kingdom, as a key strategic partner, remains the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh, with an FDI stock of $2.9 billion as of FY 2023-24.