Dhaka: The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has successfully transitioned more than $400 million in investments into the decision and implementation stages from a $1.5 billion investment pipeline initiated in 2025. This progress highlights a rise in foreign investor confidence in Bangladesh. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the investment pipeline involved 70 potential investors from 20 countries, with prominent contributors being Turkey, China, Singapore, the Netherlands, and South Korea. The initiative achieved a conversion rate exceeding 15 percent, surpassing international benchmarks for advancing investment leads into active execution. Among the notable investments, Hong Kong-based Handa Industries Ltd. increased its planned investment to $300 million following facilitation from BIDA, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), and the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA). This project is projected to create approximately 25,000 jobs, beginning with an $80 million garment factory at the Mirsarai BEPZA SEZ in the first phase, and a $220 million integrated textile complex in Keraniganj in the second phase. Additionally, China's Hengli Group, through its subsidiary Lead Bangladesh Textile Technology Co. Ltd., is committing $35 million at the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) in Araihazar to establish an automated textile manufacturing facility. Meanwhile, China Lesso Group has finalized a $32 million investment in a heavy manufacturing plant at the National SEZ in Chattogram, focusing on green and sustainable production of PVC pipes, solar panels, and other construction materials. In the financial sector, Sri Lanka's Softlogic Life Insurance has acquired a 60 percent stake in Diamond Life Insurance for approximately $1.90 million, introducing AI-based underwriting and faster insurance claim settlement technologies. Malaysia's MR.DIY has expanded its presence to over 17 mega stores across Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi with regulatory support from BIDA and Bangladesh Bank. Furthermore, Megarich, a producer of airline amenity kits, is investing $15 million to diversify Bangladesh's export sector beyond ready-made garments. BIDA stated that these investments are enhancing technology transfer, strengthening domestic supply chains, and reducing import reliance in key industries. The authority aims to establish another $1.5 billion investment pipeline by the end of 2026, supported by dedicated investment teams and specialized sectoral desks.
