Bangladesh is a winning combination with its competitive market, business-friendly environment and cost structure that can give you the best returns.

Industrious Low-Cost Workforce

Bangladesh offers a well-educated, highly adaptive and industrious workforce with the lowest wages and salaries in the region. 57.3% of the population is under 25, providing a youthful group for recruitment. The country has consistently developed a skilled workforce catering to investors needs. English is widely spoken, making communication easy.

Strategic Location, Regional Connectivity and Worldwide Access

Bangladesh is strategically located next to India, China and ASEAN markets. As the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) comes into force, investors in Bangladesh will enjoy duty-free access to India and other member countries.

Strong Local Market and Growth

Bangladesh has proved to be an attractive investment location with its 146.6 million population and consistent economic growth leading to strong and growing domestic demand.

Low Cost of Energy

Energy prices in Bangladesh are the most competitive in the region. Transportation on green compressed natural gas is less than 20% of the diesel price.

Proven Export Competitiveness

Bangladesh enjoys tariff-free access to the European Union, Canada, Australia and Japan. In Europe, Bangladesh enjoys 60% of the market share and is the top manufacturing exporter amongst 50 least developed countries.

Competitive Incentives

Bangladesh offers the most liberal FDI regime in South Asia, allowing 100% foreign equity with unrestricted exit policy, easy remittance of royalty, and repatriation of profits and incomes.

Export Processing Zones

Bangladesh offers export-oriented industrial enclaves with infrastructural facilities and logistical support for foreign investors. The country is also developing its core infrastructures, including roads, highways, surface transport and port facilities for a better business environment.

FDI Magazine of The Financial Times in March 2010 conducted a competition under the head “Global Ranking Competition of Economics Zones” based on the following nine categories of ranking:

• Best Overall Global Special Economic Zone
• Best Economic Potential
• Best Cost Effectiveness
• Best Facilities
• Best Transportation Link
• Best Incentives
• Best Promotion
• Best Airport
• Best Port

In the competition out of 700 Economic Zones globally 200 participated in the competition. All the zones were evaluated on a 10 point scale on the basis of some set criteria. Among the top 10 of the two categories Chittagong Export Processing Zone, Bangladesh scored 3rd position in the “Best Cost Effectiveness” and also 4th position in the “Best Economic Potential” for 2010-2011.

Source: FDI Magazine

Positive Climate

A largely homogeneous society with people living in harmony irrespective of race and religion, Bangladesh is a democratic country enjoying broad bi-partisan political support for private investment. The legal and policy framework for business is conducive to foreign investment. For detailed about legal infrastructure of Bangladesh please visit Business Laws

This section provides facts and figures on Bangladesh and its potential to support foreign business and investment. Please select the links on the left menu and in right column for more specific information.