Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has announced that the Bangladeshi government is ramping up efforts to draw in the foreign investment necessary to reach its ambitious target of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034. Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she highlighted ongoing discussions with potential investors from several countries, including China, Japan, and the United States. These talks involve the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Commerce Ministry.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the statement came after a closed-door session titled ‘Roadmap for Trade, Growth and Economic Diplomacy-2026: The Capital Dialogue.’ The session, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also featured Prime Minister’s Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. The minister emphasized the importance of the blue economy as a key sector for investment, particularly urging European nations to explore opportunities in this area.
The government is currently formulating a new economic model to guide the country through its present financial challenges. This model aims to facilitate investment growth, administrative reform, industrial revival, and agricultural transformation, setting Bangladesh on a path to a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034. Obaed noted that economic diplomacy is a priority for the Foreign Ministry, with the closed-door session serving as a platform to address various challenges and propose solutions.
Bangladesh recently hosted its first ‘Bangladesh Trade and Investment Conference 2026’ in Dhaka on June 13. This event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and BIDA, aimed to discuss the country’s evolving trade, investment, and economic priorities, in preparation for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. The conference gathered senior government officials, foreign diplomats, business leaders, and other stakeholders to explore ways to enhance foreign direct investment and economic resilience.
The conference included discussions on trade and investment policy, financing and capital mobilisation, and market access. Other focal points included industrial competitiveness, artificial intelligence, creative industries, and sports, highlighting Bangladesh’s comprehensive approach to achieving its economic objectives.