The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has called on South Korean investors to capitalize on Bangladesh’s dynamic investment landscape, highlighting the country’s competitive advantages and ongoing reforms to facilitate foreign direct investment.
At an investment seminar titled ‘Gateway to Growth: Invest in Bangladesh’, held today at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole Hotel in South Korea, a high-level delegation led by Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman (state minister) of BIDA, engaged with over 150 Korean business leaders, industry representatives, and development partners to showcase strategic investment opportunities in Bangladesh, said a press release here.
Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Republic of Korea and the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), and supported by the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group, the event underscored the deepening economic partnership between Dhaka and Seoul.
South Korea currently stands as the fifth-largest foreign investor in Bangladesh, with a cumulative FDI stock of $1.56 billion spread across more than 150 Korean companies operating in sectors ranging from textiles and footwear to electronics and automobiles.
In his keynote address, Ashik Chowdhury assured full institutional support for Korean investors looking to establish or expand their businesses in Bangladesh.
‘This is the most opportune moment for Korean businesses to align with Bangladesh’s growth trajectory,’ he said. ‘Our government has implemented comprehensive reforms to ensure seamless entry, operation, and expansion for foreign enterprises. We welcome Korean investors to explore Bangladesh as their next growth destination,’ he added.
Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development at BIDA, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting priority investment sectors including textiles, electronics, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy.
He noted that Bangladesh’s favorable demographics, macroeconomic resilience, and improving infrastructure make it one of the most promising markets in South Asia.
‘There has never been a better time to enter Bangladesh,’ he said, drawing parallels between Bangladesh’s current economic momentum and South Korea’s transformation in the 1980s.
‘With stable inflation, export growth, and a business-friendly policy regime, investors can expect high returns supported by BIDA’s full-spectrum One Stop Service platform,’ he added.
Executives from Korean companies already operating in Bangladesh shared positive experiences.
Min-Suhk Lee, president of Youngone Corporation, highlighted the company’s four-decade journey in Bangladesh, where it has invested over $600 million and employs more than 30,000 workers.
Youngone’s success, he said, exemplifies Bangladesh’s growing competitiveness as a manufacturing hub. He also emphasized the company’s social and environmental commitments that have positioned it among the most responsible corporates in the country.
Welcoming the guests, Toufiq Islam Shatil, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Republic of Korea, invited Korean companies to be part of Bangladesh’s development journey.
‘Bangladesh today offers an unparalleled gateway to South Asia. With the bold reforms undertaken by BIDA and the government, we are ready to host a new wave of Korean investments,’ he said.
Chang-beom Kim, vice chairman and CEO of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), lauded the enduring friendship between the two nations, which has spanned more than five decades.
He noted that the ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement-initiated in August 2025-are expected to further enhance bilateral trade and investment flows.
The seminar is part of a broader five-day strategic mission to the Republic of Korea, led by Ashik Chowdhury, comprising senior officials from BIDA, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, the National Board of Revenue, and representatives from the banking sector.
Following the seminar, the BIDA delegation met with leading Korean journalists and is scheduled to hold a series of G2G and G2B meetings with Korean parliamentarians and top corporate leaders from October 21-23, 2025. The delegation will also participate in a special roundtable with members of the Korean business diaspora and academia.