MM Rahmatullah: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for sustained and expanded United States investment in Bangladesh, identifying agriculture, logistics and information technology as priority sectors for future cooperation.
The appeal came during a courtesy meeting with US President’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday, where both sides reviewed bilateral relations, trade, investment, regional cooperation and the Rohingya crisis.
According to officials, the meeting reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the Bangladesh-US partnership, with particular emphasis on economic engagement and private-sector investment.
Focus on investment and supply chains: During the discussions, the Prime Minister invited greater American investment in warehousing, soybean, cotton, wheat and other agricultural sectors, saying such cooperation would help Bangladesh develop a stronger and more competitive supply chain.
He also highlighted the country’s growing information technology industry and encouraged US companies to explore investment opportunities in the sector.
The two sides exchanged views on expanding investment through the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), with the Prime Minister urging Washington to maintain and broaden its financial engagement in Bangladesh.
Responding positively, Sergio Gor said the United States would work to enhance DFC investment cooperation and support initiatives that encourage greater American business participation in Bangladesh.
US Investor Summit under consideration: The US Special Envoy informed the Prime Minister that American investors based in Dhaka are interested in organising a US Investor Summit in Bangladesh in the near future. He said he is personally working to facilitate the initiative.
The proposed visit of a delegation from the US-Bangladesh Business Council next month was also discussed as part of broader efforts to promote trade and investment ties.
Cooperation in pharmaceuticals and technology: Another important issue on the agenda was expanding collaboration between Bangladesh and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Gor assured the Prime Minister that he would support the resumption of FDA inspection activities in Bangladesh, a move expected to strengthen cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector and facilitate greater market access.
The Special Envoy also noted Bangladesh’s growing potential in information technology and suggested that the country could become a future partner in the PAX Silica initiative. He pledged to take steps to advance cooperation in this area.
Stability boosting investor confidence: During the meeting, Gor praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, saying Bangladesh is witnessing a return to stability.
He said the United States’ positive revision of its travel advisory for Bangladesh sends an encouraging signal to American investors that the country is increasingly attractive for business and investment.
His remarks underscore growing optimism among sections of the US business community regarding Bangladesh’s economic prospects.
Rohingya crisis remains a shared concern: The prolonged Rohingya crisis also featured prominently in the talks.
Sharing his experience from a recent visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, Gor commended Bangladesh for continuing to shelter and support forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals despite the enormous humanitarian burden.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to the United States for its longstanding assistance, noting that Washington provides more than half of the international humanitarian support for the Rohingya population.
The US Special Envoy stressed that only a swift, sustainable and political solution can resolve the crisis. He emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts involving ASEAN, neighbouring countries and the wider international community.
Senior officials present: The meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, advisers Mahdi Amin and Rehan Asif Asad, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, and other senior officials.
The discussions reflected both countries’ intention to deepen economic cooperation while maintaining close coordination on regional and humanitarian issues, signalling a broader effort to elevate Bangladesh-US relations in the years ahead.