BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun Chowdhury at a seminer as the chief guest. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Jan 15, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is developing a ‘Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Heatmap’ to identify priority sectors and attract investors to boost economic growth.

The information was revealed today at a seminar on “Investment Prospects and Challenges” at the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) auditorium in the city.

BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun Chowdhury attended the seminar as the chief guest while BIDA Head of Business Development Nahian Rahman Rochi delivered the welcome speech.

Nahian Rahman Rochi, in his welcome speech, said globally 3 to 4 percent of a country’s GDP are being considered as the ideal standard of FDI.

But in Bangladesh, the FDI inflow reduced to 0.3 percent of the GDP in the last fiscal year which was about 0.5 percent in the FY2020-21, he added.
 
He said the inflow remained stagnant within a range of $1.3 billion to $1.7 billion in the last four years.

He also said that only 45 percent of the total amount is direct FDI and the rest are intercompany loans or reinvestments.

He said BIDA is developing the heatmap for strategically highlight sectors and sub-segments where Bangladesh demonstrates a competitive edge and substantial growth potential.

ERF Secretary Abul Kashem moderated the event chaired by ERF President Doulot Akter Mala.