Accra:Singapore has shown interest in exploring investment opportunities in Bangladesh, focusing on infrastructure, logistics, and industrial sectors, especially terminal development and operation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this interest was expressed during a meeting between Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Singapore High Commission Charge d'Affaires in Bangladesh Philip Ong. The meeting took place at the authority's office and covered various topics, including Bangladesh's investment climate, institutional coordination, and infrastructure development, aiming to expand bilateral economic cooperation.
During the meeting, Ong praised the establishment of the Invest Bangladesh Authority, which integrates the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, and Public Private Partnership Authority. He noted that these reforms could provide more coordinated and efficient services for investors.
Ashik Chowdhury highlighted the potential to further expand institutional integration and coordination, suggesting that more institutions could be brought under the framework in phases. He also emphasized the authority's goals to provide effective logistics support, encourage investment in solar power plants, promote privatization, accelerate digitalization, and foster a supportive environment for industrial development.
The discussions also delved into Singapore's potential investments in Bangladesh's infrastructure and logistics sectors. Participants considered the experience and capabilities of PSA International, a Singapore-based global port operator, and its possible role in developing and operating terminals in Bangladesh.
Ong expressed Singapore's eagerness to collaborate with the Bangladesh government to strengthen economic ties. He stressed the importance of policy continuity, transparency, and a predictable business environment to boost investor confidence. Both sides were optimistic about creating new cooperation opportunities between Bangladesh and Singapore in investment, infrastructure, logistics, and industrial development.