AmCham pledges to mobilise $5b investment in next 5 years

The commitment came when an AmCham Executive Committee, led by its President Syed Mohammad Kamal, met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

During the meeting, AmCham highlighted its long-standing role, since 1996, in strengthening Bangladesh-US economic and commercial ties and promoting a transparent, predictable, competitive and investment-friendly business environment.

AmCham said its member companies have already invested more than US$5 billion in Bangladesh, with considerable scope for further investment.

It also said the member companies collectively contribute more than 20% to the country’s tax exchequer, underscoring the significant contribution of the AmCham business community to Bangladesh’s economy.

AmCham sought the Prime Minister’s leadership and the government’s partnership in creating an enabling environment to achieve the investment target, according to a media release.

It acknowledged the government’s progress in improving Bangladesh’s investment and business climate, particularly its shift towards practical investment facilitation under the fiscal year 2026-27 reform package.

The delegation welcomed measures such as time-bound approvals and licensing, implementation of the single window, digital tax and VAT administration, reduced compliance burdens, improved capital and profit repatriation processes, and simplified customs procedures.

AmCham also stressed the need for greater long-term policy predictability in priority sectors to boost investor confidence and support long-term investment decisions.

On digital governance, it welcomed the enactment of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and National Data Governance Act (NDGA), while emphasising effective implementation, AI readiness, cybersecurity resilience, regulatory clarity and continued public-private collaboration.

The delegation also described the US-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement framework as a strategic opportunity to deepen bilateral economic engagement and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in global value chains.

AmCham called for moving beyond market access towards a broader strategic economic partnership covering technology, AI and digital innovation, cloud computing and cybersecurity, healthcare and life sciences, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and financial-sector modernisation.

It stressed that effective implementation of reforms and sustained competitiveness should remain priorities, including predictable tax and customs administration, reliable infrastructure and energy, and stronger institutionalised public-private collaboration.

The chamber proposed establishing a Digital Economy Advisory Forum/Task Force and a Public-Private Competitiveness Council, with representation from the government, business community, foreign investors and AmCham, to identify bottlenecks, support implementation and strengthen investor confidence.

It reaffirmed its readiness to work with the government not only as an advocate but also as a strategic partner by providing investor intelligence and practical business feedback, supporting policy collaboration, connecting Bangladesh with US corporate decision-makers, promoting the country’s reforms and investment opportunities internationally, and strengthening business-to-business engagement.

The delegation also invited the Prime Minister to attend the opening ceremony of the 30th US Trade Show as the chief guest. The event will be jointly hosted by AmCham Bangladesh and the US Embassy in Bangladesh.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed AmCham’s continued engagement and acknowledged its important role in Bangladesh’s economic development.

The AmCham delegation included Ala Uddin Ahmad, Vice President, AmCham and CEO, MetLife Bangladesh; Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud, Treasurer, AmCham and Managing Director, Philip Morris Bangladesh Ltd; Mohammad Habibur Rahman Bhuiyan, EC Member and Country Manager, Excelerate Energy Bangladesh Limited; Mohammad Rashel Al Mamun, EC Member and Country Manager and Managing Director, NATco Bangladesh; Mohammad Sazzad Hossain, EC Member and General Manager, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Avery Dennison; Ataur Rahim Chowdhury, EC Member and CEO, ShopUp Limited; and Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh, Executive Director, AmCham, reports UNB.