BIDA converts over 15% of investment pipeline into active projects

More than $400 million out of a $1.5 billion foreign investment pipeline for 2025 has moved to the implementation and final decision stages, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) said today.

The agency created the pipeline based on interest expressed by 70 potential investors from 20 countries over the past 12 to 15 months.

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BIDA said the conversion rate from the pipeline exceeded 15 percent, which is higher than the global standard. Countries driving these capital commitments include Turkey, China, Singapore, the Netherlands and South Korea.

Hong Kong-based Handa Industries Ltd is one of the investors. The company is investing $300 million (more than Tk 3,500 crore) in two phases.

Construction has already begun on an $80 million sewing and apparel manufacturing plant at the Bepza Economic Zone in Mirsharai, while a second $220 million integrated complex is planned for the Keraniganj Economic Zone. The full project is expected to create more than 25,000 jobs, BIDA said.

A subsidiary of China's Shandong Hengtai Textile Technology has subleased 12.6 acres in the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) in Araihazar, Narayanganj. The company is investing $35 million (nearly Tk 420 crore) to introduce high-tech automated manufacturing for advanced fabrics and accessories, helping reduce Bangladesh's import dependency in the ready-made garment value chain.

Another Chinese manufacturing giant, China Lesso Group, has finalised a $32 million (around Tk 400 crore) facility in Chattogram's National Special Economic Zone, where the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has handed over 12.5 acres. The plant will produce high-grade PVC and PEX pipes, solar panels, and modern building materials.

Meanwhile, Malaysian retail chain MR. DIY has expanded its footprint to more than 17 megastores across Dhaka, Chattogram and Rajshahi. The expansion was facilitated by guidance from BIDA and Bangladesh Bank regarding shareholder loan regulations, BIDA said.

Recently, Sri Lanka's Softlogic Life Insurance PLC acquired a 60 percent stake in Diamond Life Insurance Company Limited for $1.9 million (nearly Tk 23 crore).

BIDA said the cross-border transaction marks a major foreign direct investment inflow into the country's life insurance sector, bringing AI-powered automated underwriting and fully digital processing to the local market.

In addition, global airline amenity kit manufacturer Megarich has finalised a $15 million (more than Tk 200 crore) investment to produce specialised onboard lifestyle items, including travel amenity bags and personal care kits, for international carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Saudia, it added.

BIDA said it aims to add another $1.5 billion in prospective investments to the pipeline in 2026 through dedicated target desks and sector-specific engagements.