Dhaka: The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), has launched a comprehensive survey to identify investment opportunities, industrial potential, and challenges facing businesses across Bangladesh. The initiative was discussed today at a divisional workshop held at Hotel Agrabad in Chattogram, as part of a series of eight divisional workshops aimed at gathering information directly from investors, businesses, chambers, and other stakeholders, said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BIDA-led survey, funded by ADB with technical support from SANEM, seeks to establish an updated and consolidated database of domestic and foreign investment, identify priority sectors, and help formulate evidence-based policies. Speaking at the workshop, SANEM Executive Director and Dhaka University Professor Dr. Selim Raihan emphasized the importance of reliable information for sound policymaking and effective investment promotion. He noted that information on businesses and investors is currently scattered among different government agencies, investment promotion bodies, chambers, and business associations. A unified database would enable policymakers to identify priority sectors, understand industrial developments, and determine areas requiring greater support.
SANEM Programme Director Zubayer Hossen highlighted that the survey would collect information on establishments, employment, investment, and challenges faced by investors. An initial mapping based on information from BIDA, BEZA, BEPZA, and Bangladesh Bank showed a significant geographical concentration of investment information in Dhaka and Chattogram, while other divisions, including Rangpur, remained relatively underrepresented. The survey aims to help BIDA regularly maintain investor records, develop investor profiles, and assess whether existing policies and services are working effectively on the ground.
BIDA Executive Member (Additional Secretary) Md Humayun Kabir explained that the grassroots-level survey would help identify area-specific investment potential and ensure that regional realities are reflected in policymaking. He stressed the need for a cultural shift as Bangladesh transitions from an agrarian economy towards an industrial society, emphasizing a focus on skills rather than merely formal qualifications. Kabir also highlighted the importance of improving investment facilitation and strengthening the One Stop Service (OSS). Referring to the government's Invest Bangladesh initiative, he underlined the need for a more coordinated framework for investment-related services and stakeholders.
ADB Bangladesh Public Sector Economist Tasnim Alam remarked that Bangladesh's upcoming graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category makes it crucial to conduct a proper needs assessment during the remaining preparatory period. He stated that improving the ease of doing business should now be a priority, while Bangladesh needs to strengthen its capacity to use data, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies for investment and policymaking. Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mohammed Amirul Haque emphasized the need to develop skilled manpower, infrastructure, and technology-related capabilities, particularly among the younger generation. He also called for greater economic opportunities for women and increased investment in renewable energy, particularly solar power.