State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam spoke today in the Jatiya Sangsad session. Photo: Video Screenshot

SANGSAD BHABAN, Mar 30, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today informed the Parliament that the government has undertaken a series of coordinated initiatives to restore the confidence of international investors and expand Bangladesh’s export markets through strengthened economic diplomacy and investment-friendly reforms.

Replying to a question from ruling party lawmaker A.E. Sultan Mahmud Babu (Jamalpur-2) in the Jatiya Sangsad, Shama Obaed, on behalf of the Foreign Minister, said the present government is committed to accelerating Bangladesh’s economic progress by ensuring sustainable and diversified growth and by enhancing diplomatic and economic engagement with global partners.

She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working in line with the government’s electoral commitments to expand export markets, attract foreign investment and strengthen diplomatic relations through effective economic diplomacy while safeguarding national interests.

Shama noted that alongside traditional markets in Europe and America, Bangladesh is actively exploring new markets in the Middle East, Africa, South America, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe to increase export opportunities. 

“Discussions are ongoing with several potential partner countries to sign bilateral trade agreements, Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA) and Free Trade Agreements (FTA), which are expected to significantly boost exports and strengthen bilateral relations,” she said.

Shama emphasized that the government is committed to concluding such agreements under the guiding principle of “Bangladesh First,” ensuring that national economic interests remain the top priority.

The State Minister  said diversification of export products is also a key focus of the government, as Bangladesh’s export earnings have long been heavily dependent on the ready-made garments sector. 

“To reduce this reliance, diplomatic missions abroad are organizing trade exhibitions and participating in international fairs in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau to promote diversified Bangladeshi products in global markets,” she said.

She added that Bangladesh has also taken initiatives to promote local products through international online marketplaces and utilize EPA facilities, while a national single-window system has been introduced to streamline import-export procedures.

To create a more investment-friendly environment, Shama said the government has launched the BanglaBIZ portal offering one-stop digital services for investors and introduced tax incentives, increased limits for capital and profit repatriation, and identified priority sectors for foreign investment. 

Besides, she said six key investment-related agencies, including BIDA, BEZA and BEPZA, have been brought under a common coordination platform, while 32 reform initiatives are being implemented to address long-standing investor concerns.

Shama said BIDA’s website has been redesigned with detailed sectoral information, investment incentives, focal point contacts and research-based reports to strengthen institutional communication with investors, with active support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She further said Bangladeshi missions abroad are working closely with relevant ministries to simplify visa procedures, facilitate business delegations, improve consular services and strengthen diplomatic coordination on port and customs-related issues.
The State Minister  expressed hope that these positive measures would play a significant role in rebuilding international investors’ confidence and attracting greater foreign direct investment to Bangladesh. 

To promote these initiatives globally, she said the government plans to organize country-specific investment road shows, sourcing meetings, B2B matchmaking programmes and Bangladesh Investment Seminars in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, BIDA and BEZA.

She also highlighted increased diaspora engagement programmes by Bangladeshi missions to encourage expatriate entrepreneurs and investors to contribute to the country’s economic development through investment, remittance growth and technology transfer.

Shama Obaed said export expansion and economic diplomacy are continuous processes, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue working closely with other ministries and agencies to further accelerate these efforts and strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a reliable destination for international investment.