Bangladesh and the United Kingdom (UK) have reinforced their longstanding economic ties with high-level discussions focused on enhancing trade, investment, and collaboration in sectors such as education, aviation, and renewable energy.
UK Investment Minister Baroness Gustafsson of Chesterton CBE recently met with Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), to explore ways to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthen business relations, according to a press release issued today.
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud held a series of meetings with senior UK officials, prominent businesses, and Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in London from March 10-13.
Ashik Chowdhury emphasized that the visit reaffirmed the strong, long-standing economic relationship between Bangladesh and the UK. "Our discussions were focused on expanding investment in both services and manufacturing sectors. The UK’s ongoing support for improving Bangladesh’s investment climate was evident in our engagements with government officials and business leaders,” he stated, reports BSS.
During the discussions, UK’s Trade Envoy for Bangladesh, Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE, expressed strong interest in the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, underscoring the UK’s commitment to deepening economic ties. Owen Jenkins, the Director General for the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa (FCDO), reiterated the UK’s support for Bangladesh’s economic reforms and investment-friendly policies.
Further meetings with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) focused on industrial development, advanced technology, and infrastructure projects.
Chowdhury also met with top UK businesses, showcasing Bangladesh’s investment potential and exploring new partnerships in finance, manufacturing, and technology. Notable meetings included discussions with HSBC, Airbus, Dewhirst Group, and Menzies.
In addition, Chowdhury highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to higher education during meetings at the University of London and SOAS, focusing on academic partnerships, research collaboration, and youth empowerment initiatives.
As part of the "Made in the UK, Sold to the Indo-Pacific" roadshow, Chowdhury delivered a keynote presentation on Bangladesh’s investment and export opportunities. He emphasized the country’s strategic location, rapid economic growth, and emerging role as a regional production hub, attracting strong interest from UK businesses exploring expansion into the Indo-Pacific market.
Throughout the visit, Chowdhury engaged with non-resident Bangladeshis, UK business associations, and trade groups, further solidifying Bangladesh’s position as a key investment destination.
The UK remains a key strategic partner and is the largest source of foreign direct investment in Bangladesh, with an FDI stock of $2.9 billion as of FY 2023-24.
