Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir spoke at AmCham Bangladesh’s 30th anniversary programme at Radisson Blu Water Garden. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Sept 12, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh has set a target of attracting an additional US$5 billion in investment from the United States (US) over the next five years, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said today.

"The government and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) will work together to achieve the target by creating greater investment opportunities, generating employment and facilitating technology transfer," he said.

"Bangladesh is fully prepared to work closely with US companies to increase investment, create employment, transfer technology and expand economic opportunities," he added.

The minister was addressing a programme marking the 30th anniversary of AmCham Bangladesh at the Radisson Blu Water Garden ballroom in the capital this evening.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President Alauddin Azad, former presidents, current and former executive committee members, senior government officials, business leaders and journalists attended the programme.

The commerce minister said AmCham had played an important role over the past three decades in strengthening economic relations between Bangladesh and the United States.

"AmCham is not merely a business organisation; it has also been serving as an effective bridge between the government and the private sector," he said.

He said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States currently stands at more than $13 billion, adding that the economic relationship goes beyond trade figures.

"US companies are making significant contributions to Bangladesh's development through investment, technology, employment, knowledge and global best practices," he said.

Muktadir said AmCham member companies had invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh and contributed over 20 percent of the country's national revenue.

"This investment reflects the confidence of American businesses in Bangladesh's economy," he said.

Referring to a recent meeting between AmCham leaders and the Prime Minister, the minister said the chamber had expressed interest in bringing another $5 billion in US investment to Bangladesh within the next five years.

"The government will extend necessary cooperation to implement this initiative," he said.

"When any genuine business problem is brought to us, my ministry and the government will make the utmost effort to find a practical solution," Muktadir said.

He cited the example of AmCham member company Corteva Bangladesh, saying a complicated issue concerning its industrial and commercial licences had been resolved within a month through government intervention.

Describing Bangladesh as a promising investment destination, the commerce minister said the country had considerable potential in technology, digital innovation, healthcare, manufacturing and financial services, backed by its strategic location, young workforce and large domestic market.

However, he said investment opportunities alone were not enough to attract investors.

"Investors need predictability, an easy business environment, efficient trade facilitation and a stable policy framework," he said.

The government is working to simplify business processes, expand digitalisation, improve trade facilitation and create a more investment-friendly environment, he added.

Muktadir expressed hope that the next chapter of Bangladesh-US economic relations would be more promising, with more US companies investing in Bangladesh, bringing advanced technologies and global expertise, while access of Bangladeshi goods and services to the US market would expand further.

He stressed the need for stronger partnerships among the government, business community, investors, development partners and organisations like AmCham to achieve the goal.

Marking AmCham's 30th anniversary as an opportunity to create new possibilities, the minister called for joint efforts to promote "more trade, more investment, greater innovation, new employment opportunities and a stronger and more sustainable economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States."

He congratulated AmCham members and all concerned on the organisation's 30th anniversary and wished it continued success in the future.