US investors have shown growing confidence in Bangladesh’s reforms and economic outlook, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said after a recent visit to Washington where the Bangladeshi delegation met leaders of the US Chamber of Commerce and representatives of the World Bank, IMF, Asian Development Bank and the OPEC Fund. He said that compared with last year the American private sector now has a much better view of Bangladesh because several long-pending problems have been resolved and important reforms are underway. The adviser noted that clearing payments to large foreign firms, including Chevron and MetLife, helped reassure US investors and supported a more positive business mood. Sales and investment conversations focused on the country’s efforts to strengthen overall economic stability, improve foreign exchange reserves and boost overall business activity. Salehuddin told reporters that reform is a continuing process and that the government has shared both steps already taken. He highlighted moves to reform revenue systems and the banking sector, and said officials are working to make tax rules simpler, tackle double taxation and speed up VAT refunds so that companies face fewer hurdles. The delegation also discussed follow ups to earlier loan talks and explored new budget support and development grants with global lenders to support growth and public projects. Officials described Bangladesh as a fast-growing market with a large and expanding middle class, and they said US investors see the country’s rising demand for goods and services beyond basic food items as a strong reason to invest more. Salehuddin said the government remains aware of risks and that Bangladesh is still vulnerable to both internal and external shocks, but he added that conditions have improved significantly since last year. He pointed to stronger foreign exchange balances, steadier business activity and clearer policy direction as reasons investors feel more comfortable about future opportunities. The adviser also spoke about the country’s long term vision for sustainable growth, including goals to reduce poverty and unemployment and to lower carbon emissions over time. Representatives said that improving the ease of doing business, reducing red tape and making tax processes more predictable will help draw private capital and boost confidence in both local and foreign firms. US investors expressed interest in a range of sectors, with the middle-class consumer market, manufacturing and services named as attractive areas for future projects. Salehuddin added that dialogue with international lenders will continue, as Bangladesh works to balance reform, fiscal needs and social goals while creating a friendlier climate for investment. The tone from the meetings was upbeat, and advisers said ongoing reforms and practical steps to resolve past issues have already changed investor sentiment in a way that could lead to more investment and stronger economic ties in coming years soon ahead.
