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BIDA OSSDec 23, 2024
A high-level business delegation from China visited the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s growing renewable energy sector. The meeting held at the BIDA Conference Room was chaired by Mr. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA on December 22, 2024.
During the session, the Chinese delegation, comprising representatives from major renewable energy companies such as LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Tongwei co. ltd and Yunnan Show, presented their advanced technologies and successful international projects. These companies expressed strong interest in investing in Bangladesh to support the country’s renewable energy goals, particularly in solar energy.
The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Ashik Chowdhury, who also highlighted Bangladesh's enormous potential for foreign investments renewable energy. He emphasized the government's commitment to creating a favorable investment climate, offering significant benefits such as tax holidays, duty-free imports, and a skilled workforce. Mr. Ashik Chowdhury further assured the Chinese investors that BIDA and BEZA are fully prepared to provide comprehensive support, making Bangladesh a prime destination for investment.
Mr. Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development at BIDA, elaborated on Bangladesh’s unique value proposition as an investment destination during his presentation, particularly for renewable energy. He emphasized the surging local demand for renewable energy, the advantages of manufacturing in Bangladesh, and the potential for high returns on investment. Mr. Nahian noted the several government initiatives are underway to promote the use of solar energy by industries, with a special focus on rooftop solar systems.
During his presentation Mr. Nahian also highlighted the several reform initiatives taken by BIDA to improve the investment climate. With Bangladesh’s ambitious goal to achieve 40% renewable energy by 2040, Mr. Nahian emphasised the importance of the local market, which is driven by the country’s 170 million population. He urged investors to focus on this growing market and submit investment proposals, noting that BIDA, BEZA, and other government agencies will continue to provide support to ensure the success of such ventures.
Mr Wang Feng from the Chinese delegation mentioned, “We are willing to fully understand Bangladesh's market demand, investment policies, cooperation methods and other aspects in the field of power and energy, and are willing to discuss the fields, prospects and potential of future cooperation between Yunnan and Bangladesh, even China and Bangladesh.” The meeting ended with a multi-stakeholder networking session, where representatives from local solar energy players, commercial banks, law firms, and international industries gathered to explore potential collaborations. The discussions are expected to further strengthen economic ties between Bangladesh and China, particularly in the renewable energy sector.
This visit shows Bangladesh’s growing attractiveness as a destination for global investment, underlining the government's commitment to fostering long-term partnerships and advancing the country’s renewable energy ambitions.
Name
Role
Mr. Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman, BIDA and BEZA
Convener
Chairman, National Board of Revenue
Member
Secretary, ICT Division
Member
Mr. Mohammed Enayetur Rahman, CEO, Ulka Semi
Member
Mr. Istak Ahmmed, Chairman, Prime Silicon Technology (BD) Ltd
Member
Mr. M.A. Jabbar, Managing Director, Neural Semiconductor Ltd
Member
Prof. Dr. A. B. M. Harun-ur-Rashid, Head of Department, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BUET
Member
Maj Gen. Md. Nasim Parvez, Commandant, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST)
Member
Prof. Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Pro-VC, BRAC University
Member
Mr. Mashuk Rahman, Founder, Green Quest, USA
Member
Mr. Mustafiz Choudhury, Semiconductor Expert, Silicon Valley
Member
Mr. Zahirul Alam, Executive Director, Integrated Development Foundation (IDF)
Member
Mr. Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development, BIDA
Member Secretary