Investors Meetup 3.0 calls for stronger policies to attract foreign investment

Desk Report: Business leaders, policymakers, industrial entrepreneurs and investors have called for coordinated efforts to improve Bangladesh’s investment climate, attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and tap emerging opportunities in the global Halal industry.The call came at Investors Meetup 3.0, a day-long national business and investment summit held at the BIDA Multipurpose Hall in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Saturday.Under the theme “Enhancing Investment-Friendly Ecosystems: Boosting Business Ease, FDI, and New Investment Opportunities in Halal Industries,” the summit brought together representatives from government, business chambers, financial institutions and industries to discuss ways to make Bangladesh a more attractive destination for domestic and foreign investors.The discussions focused on the potential of the global Halal market, sustainable industrialisation, environmentally responsible investment, ease of doing business and the need for stronger public-private partnerships.Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), president of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), attended the inaugural session as the chief guest. He highlighted the need to modernise the country's industrial sector and take advantage of Bangladesh's significant potential in the multi-trillion-dollar global Halal market.A keynote paper was presented by Dr Md Mominul Islam, assistant professor of the Department of Business Administration at Daffodil International University.A panel discussion on developing the Halal industry examined product certification, regulatory frameworks, export competitiveness and the possibility of establishing a dedicated Halal Industry Development Authority in Bangladesh.Speakers stressed that effective government policies, internationally recognised certification systems, quality control and close cooperation between public and private sector stakeholders would be essential to developing a competitive Halal industry.They observed that Bangladesh could expand its presence in international markets by improving product standards, strengthening certification facilities and ensuring compliance with global requirements.The summit also highlighted the importance of sustainable industrialisation and investment based on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.The afternoon session, titled “Invest in Sustainable Industry and ESG,” featured a keynote presentation by Engr A. Fattah Asif, consultant to NCL, SME Foundation and JICA/APO of Japan.The session was moderated by Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), managing director of New Vision Solutions Ltd and immediate past president of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI).Participants discussed the need to promote energy efficiency, environmentally friendly production, modern technologies and responsible industrial practices.They said industries must gradually adopt sustainable production systems and meet international environmental and governance standards to remain competitive in global markets.Another key discussion focused on removing barriers to doing business and creating a more investor-friendly environment in Bangladesh.The industrial panel session was moderated by Nasir Khan, managing director of Jennys Shoes Ltd and vice-president of FLAXA.Panelists stressed the need to reduce business operating costs, simplify administrative procedures, accelerate one-stop investor services and strengthen cooperation between government agencies and the private sector.They also called for transparent policies, faster service delivery and more effective investment facilitation, noting that bureaucratic complications and high operating costs could discourage both local and foreign investors.The discussions underscored that attracting foreign investment requires more than promotional initiatives. Investors also need policy consistency, reliable infrastructure, efficient services and a predictable business environment.Delivering the closing remarks, Rabiul Alam, secretary general and board director of JBCCI and managing director of MKK Logistics, thanked the chief guest, speakers, moderators, panelists, supporting organisations and delegates for their participation.The organisers said recommendations and proposals emerging from the summit would be forwarded to relevant policymakers to help improve the country's investment climate and identify new areas of economic opportunity.Jointly organised by BDFairs.com and JCI Dhaka Achievers, the event was supported by the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries, Leather Foundation of Bangladesh and Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Investors Meetup is designed as a national business and investment networking platform connecting policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions and industry leaders to encourage cooperation, promote investment and explore new business opportunities.The summit highlighted the need for Bangladesh to move beyond investment promotion towards practical reforms, sustainable industrial growth and stronger international business engagement to unlock its economic potential.