The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has urged South Korean investors to take advantage of Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving investment landscape, emphasizing its strategic location, young workforce, and investor-friendly reforms.

At an investment seminar titled “Gateway to Growth: Invest in Bangladesh,” held on 21^st October at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole Hotel in South Korea. The event, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Bangladesh in South Korea, the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), and supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group.

Ashik Chowdhury, BIDA Executive Chairman, and State Minister led a high-level delegation to engage with over 150 Korean business leaders, industrialists, and development partners.

Strengthening bilateral investment ties

South Korea is currently the fifth-largest foreign investor in Bangladesh, with cumulative investments worth $1.56 billion across more than 150 companies. These span key sectors such as textiles, footwear, electronics, and automotive manufacturing—industries that align closely with Bangladesh’s industrial diversification goals.

In his keynote address, Ashik Chowdhury said this is “the most opportune moment” for Korean businesses to align with Bangladesh’s growth journey. “Our government has implemented comprehensive reforms to ensure seamless entry, operation, and expansion for foreign enterprises. We welcome Korean investors to explore Bangladesh as their next growth destination,” he added.

Strategic investment sectors

Nahian Rahman Rochi, BIDA’s Head of Business Development, presented the country’s emerging investment priorities on textiles, electronics, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy.

He said, “Bangladesh’s favorable demographics, macroeconomic resilience, and growing infrastructure make it one of the most promising markets in South Asia,”.

Drawing parallels with South Korea’s economic rise in the 1980s, he noted, “There has never been a better time to enter Bangladesh. With stable inflation, export growth, and a business-friendly policy regime, investors can expect strong returns.”

Industry leaders highlight success stories

Executives from Korean companies already operating in Bangladesh shared their success experiences. Min-Suhk Lee, President of Youngone Corporation, reflected on the company’s four-decade presence in Bangladesh, where it has invested over $600 million and employs more than 30,000 workers.

He praised Bangladesh’s competitiveness as a manufacturing hub, noting that Youngone’s long-term success reflects the country’s potential as an attractive production base. Min-Suhk Lee said, “Our journey demonstrates how Bangladesh can offer both profitability and sustainability.”

Expanding partnerships and policy momentum

Chang-beom Kim, Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, spanning over five decades. He noted that ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) initiated in August 2025 are expected to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment.

A strategic mission to deepen cooperation

The seminar is part of a broader five-day strategic mission to South Korea led by Ashik Chowdhury, featuring senior officials from BIDA, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and the banking sector.

Following the seminar, the BIDA delegation met with leading Korean journalists and will engage in a series of government-to-government (G2G) and government-to-business (G2B) meetings with Korean parliamentarians and corporate leaders from October 21–23. The delegation will also join a special roundtable with Korean business diaspora members and academic leaders to strengthen cooperation and promote investment opportunities.

As BIDA continues its mission to attract quality investment, the call to South Korean investors signifies Bangladesh’s readiness to emerge as a dynamic destination for global business expansion.