DHAKA, April 10, 2025 (BSS) – Speakers at a session here today highlighted the immense potentials for making investments in the country’s agriculture and agro processing sector riding on its huge works force, competitive wages, demographic dividend and vibrant consumers.

They made the call in the session titled “Agriculture and Agro-Processing” on the last day of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 held at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital.

Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mia, Director General of BIDA Md Ariful Hoque, President of EoroCham Nuria Lopez, Investment Officer, Argibusiness, Food, Water and FMO, Netherlands Presan Pahladsingh spoke on the occasion. 
 
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Andre Carstens gave the closing remarks.

Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mia said that the growing market for agro mechanic and processing equipment industry requires huge investment while the return is fully ensured.

He said that the prospect for branding and market positioning are there while Bangladesh’s Agri products are yet to develop their branding image in the market against their unique test and quality.

“We’ve available raw materials and uninterrupted facilities. We’re here to support you and let me now tell you why Bangladesh is the next agro investment destination,” he said.

The Agriculture Secretary said that the investors would find available raw materials and utility access for processing the industries along with the competitive wages, large workforce, demographic dividend and vibrant consumers.

Emdad said this is not just a Summit, rather it is an invitation to grow together. “We’re fully committed to make your investment smooth, efficient and durable … you’ll find a responsible government which listens, response to the investors and promote investment,” he added.

The secretary went on saying, “We just don’t seek capital, but we seek long-term partnership rooted in shared values. With our workforce, innovation, technology and mutual respect, we can build truly exceptional”. 

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Andre Carstens said that there is a clear and collective message which is that Bangladesh is serious about transforming its agro food sector in a bold, inclusive and investment friendly approach.

“The strategic priorities of the Bangladesh government are to diversify, to modernize and commercialize agriculture,” he said, adding that the demand is huge for making investments in the agriculture sector in Bangladesh with seed system, value added production and climate smart solutions.

While taking part in the panel discussion session, BIDA Director General and Joint Secretary Md Ariful Hoque said that the agriculture sector in Bangladesh has huge growth potentials while the opportunities are endless.

“The government is here with the concerned policies,” he said, adding that there are also immense potentials in harvesting and cold chain.

Citing that Bangladesh possess a domestic market of around 180 million people, Ariful said that the opportunities here in the agricultural sector are ‘skyrocketing and endless’.

Replying to a question, he said that the BIDA has taken a massive initiative in reforms alongside working with all concerned regarding match making and policy support.

Director of Bangladesh Bank Debashish Sarker said that the central bank has been providing incentives on export earnings while most of the cash incentives are on agro products.

Besides, two separate deals were signed at the session on ‘Bangladesh-Netherlands Seed Platform’ signed between the Bangladesh Seed Association and the SeedNL. Another instrument was signed on ‘Greenhouse Impact Cluster Initiative’ signed between the Dutch Green House Delta and Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI). 

Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, contributing 11.2% to GDP and employing 36.9% of the workforce, forms the backbone of the nation’s economy. 

With an annual agricultural output of 70 million metric tons, the country is on the cusp of a transformative leap. 

Speakers said that the government initiatives are driving diversification beyond traditional staples into high-value horticulture, protected farming, seed innovation, poultry, fisheries, and advanced food processing. 

Bangladesh’s fertile delta, favorable year-round climate, and strategic location create an unparalleled opportunity for agro-industrial growth, making it a compelling destination for investment.

To showcase these opportunities, the Netherlands Embassy and LightCastle Partners co-facilitated the Agriculture and Agro-processing session at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025.
 
This high-profile session featured plenary discussions and policy dialogues with heads of government, policymakers, regulatory bodies, leading Bangladeshi businesses, and international investors. 

Discussions also focused on technological advancements, value chain integration, and export potential, positioning Bangladesh as a competitive hub for agro-industrial growth.