Bangladesh second most preferred destination for FDI: Industries minister

Bangladesh is the second most preferred destination for foreign investment in South Asia, says industries minister Amir Hossain Amu.

“We received $1.6 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2014,” he told a programme in Dhaka on Sunday.

The amount is the same as 2013 when India was the biggest receiver of FDI -- $28 billion out of $36 billion -- in South Asia, according to to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2014.

The minister urged foreigners to avail themselves of the facilities provided by the government and invest in Bangladesh, specially in ICT, infrastructure, communication, and education.

“Bangladesh has become the second best investment option among South Asian countries,” Amu said.

“At the current rate, we expect more than $2 billion in FDI this year.”

The Board of Investment in Dhaka has launched a service for foreign investors to expedite visa, issue work permits online and establish branches or liaison offices.

Swedish Ambassador Johan Frisell described Bangladesh as an “attractive destination” for foreign investment.

He suggested strengthening measures to keep investments secure if the current flow has to be maintained.

Nitol-Niloy Group Chairman Abdul Matlub Ahmad said many investment opportunities had been created in Bangladesh.

“The foreign investors want to use them but they want development in some sectors for that to happen,” he added.