Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday called upon global investors to become long-term partners in Bangladesh’s economic transformation, saying his government is committed to building a $1 trillion economy by 2034 through investment-friendly reforms and private sector-led growth.

A lack of safety in foreign manufacturing and industrial units in Bangladesh, stemming from the debilitating law and order situation and labour unrest, has become a cause of major concern for foreign investors, denting their confidence.

The foreign investors' concerns came as the National Board of Revenue wants to slap a 5 per cent tax on gross receipts or turnover of carbonated beverage makers from the next fiscal year from 0.6 per cent now.

Foreign investors in Bangladesh’s stock market are selling shares en masse as the local currency’s depreciation against the US dollar coupled with various policy changes over the past few years has lowered their confidence in securing adequate returns. 

Bangladesh should nurture a long-term relationship with foreign investors in order to retain them which would ultimately benefit the economy, said a World Bank expert.

WE are heartened to learn that the government plans to set up three new economic zones that will cater specifically for Japanese, Chinese and Indian firms intending to invest in Bangladesh.