A strategic gateway to South Asia and beyond.
Bangladesh offers international investors a rare combination: a large and growing domestic market, a substantial young workforce, a strategic location on the Bay of Bengal and active government support for foreign direct investment (FDI). With expanding infrastructure, established industrial clusters and a clear policy commitment to attracting investment, Bangladesh is a strong base for companies seeking regional expansion, supply-chain diversification and long-term growth.
With a population of more than 170 million, Bangladesh is one of the largest consumer markets in Asia. Rapid urbanisation, rising incomes, changing lifestyles and fast-growing digital adoption are creating strong demand for consumer goods, healthcare, financial services, housing, food and technology. Businesses that enter early can build brands and distribution networks in a market that is still expanding.
Bangladesh has one of the youngest populations in the region, with a median age under 30. Its large labour force has proven experience in manufacturing, industrial production, services and technology. Competitive labour costs, combined with strong opportunities for workforce training, help businesses operate efficiently and scale with confidence.
Situated between India, China and the ASEAN economies, Bangladesh is a natural gateway to regional markets. Its location supports cross-border trade, regional distribution hubs and integration into international supply chains, which makes it an attractive “China plus one” and “Asia plus one” manufacturing option.
Access to the Bay of Bengal through Chattogram Port, the country’s main gateway for international trade, and Mongla Port supports global shipping and maritime logistics. The Matarbari deep-sea port development, major bridges such as the Padma Bridge, expanding expressways, metro rail in Dhaka and the new airport terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are steadily improving connectivity for importers, exporters and manufacturers.
Bangladesh lets investors establish cost-effective operations, develop local supplier networks and serve both domestic and export markets from one base. Established industrial ecosystems, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals and light engineering, together with growing infrastructure, help new businesses build and expand quickly.
The Government of Bangladesh provides investment facilitation services and incentives to encourage local and foreign investment:
Business registration, industrial approvals, work permits and other investment procedures through the One Stop Service of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Invest Bangladesh(opens in a new tab).
Eligible businesses may qualify for tax holidays and concessions, reduced duty on capital machinery imports, bonded warehouse facilities and other incentives under applicable regulations.
Designated zones managed by BEZA and BEPZA offer serviced industrial land, utilities and applicable fiscal and customs facilities.
Permitted in most sectors, subject to applicable laws and sector-specific restrictions.
Eligible profits, dividends and investment proceeds may be repatriated in accordance with Bangladesh’s foreign-exchange regulations.
Opportunities to take part in eligible infrastructure and development projects through the PPP Authority.
| Agency | Role | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) | Main investment promotion and One Stop Service agency | https://bida.gov.bd(opens in a new tab) |
| Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) | Develops and manages economic zones | https://beza.gov.bd(opens in a new tab) |
| Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) | Manages export processing zones (EPZs) | https://bepza.gov.bd(opens in a new tab) |
| Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) | Manages PPP infrastructure projects | https://pppo.gov.bd(opens in a new tab) |
| Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority | Develops hi-tech and IT parks | https://bhtpa.gov.bd(opens in a new tab) |
| Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms (RJSC) | Company registration | https://roc.gov.bd(opens in a new tab) |
Bangladesh is a strategic starting point for investors seeking market access, manufacturing capability and regional growth. Understanding the local business environment, and connecting with the right partners from day one, is what turns an investment plan into a successful venture.
Bangladesh Venture Hub connects international investors with local businesses, potential partners and the investment resources they need.
Bangladesh offers a large consumer market, a young workforce, competitive costs, seaports on the Bay of Bengal and investor incentives, which makes it attractive for manufacturing, export and domestic-market businesses. As in any emerging market, investors should assess sector rules, infrastructure and partners carefully.
Depending on the sector and location, incentives can include tax holidays, reduced import duty on capital machinery, bonded warehouse facilities, special benefits in economic zones and EPZs, and the right to repatriate eligible profits.
Export Processing Zones (EPZs), managed by BEPZA, mainly serve export-oriented industries. Economic Zones, managed by BEZA, can serve both export and domestic markets and include government and private zones.
Tell us about your business objectives and we will help you identify the next steps, usually within one business day.
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