Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir -File photo

DHAKA, Sept 9, 2026 (BSS) - Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today called on Hong Kong investors to increase their investment in Bangladesh, particularly in high-tech, green technology, renewable energy, light engineering, footwear and information technology sectors, offering special incentives available in the country's economic zones.

"Bangladesh is encouraging foreign investment to capitalise on new opportunities arising from economic growth and industrialisation," he said.

The minister made the call at a bilateral meeting with Dr Jacob Kam, Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC), at the Bangladesh Consulate General in Hong Kong today, said a press release.

During the meeting, the Bangladesh side highlighted high-tech industries, green technology, renewable energy, light engineering, footwear and information technology as promising areas for increased Hong Kong investment.

The minister highlighted the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, Chattogram, along with other economic zones and export processing zones (EPZs), where investors are being offered long-term facilities.

The incentives include tax holidays for up to 10 years, duty-free import of capital machinery and one-stop service facilities aimed at making it easier for foreign investors to establish and operate businesses in Bangladesh.

The meeting also discussed expanding direct exports from Bangladesh to Hong Kong. The two sides emphasised greater market access for agricultural products, fruits, jute goods, light engineering products and technology-based products alongside traditional RMG exports.

Currently, Hong Kong accounts for around 7.2 percent of Bangladesh's total foreign direct investment (FDI), making it the sixth-largest source of investment for Bangladesh, according to the meeting.

The two sides also noted that the agreement for avoidance of double taxation between Bangladesh and Hong Kong is in force, while preparations for signing an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) are progressing.

The Bangladesh side also invited Hong Kong investors to participate in the proposed US$2 billion Bangladesh Fund, which is intended to mobilise investment for infrastructure, environmentally friendly energy and industrial development by leveraging Hong Kong's capital market.

Dr Jacob Kam said the HKGCC is interested in contributing to the expansion of business and investment between Hong Kong and Bangladesh.

Established in 1861, the HKGCC is one of Hong Kong's oldest and largest business organisations, working to promote business interests, international trade and an investment-friendly environment.

The meeting also proposed establishing a coordination platform between Hong Kong business chambers and Bangladesh's leading business organisations, including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

Bangladesh also invited a high-level Hong Kong business delegation to visit Bangladesh in early 2027 to explore investment and trade opportunities.

Observers said Hong Kong can serve not only as a source of investment for Bangladesh but also as an important commercial gateway to Chinese and global markets. Increased investment from Hong Kong could therefore create new opportunities for industrial diversification, technology transfer and export expansion.

The commercial relationship between Bangladesh and Hong Kong formally began with the establishment of Bangladesh's Trade Commission in Hong Kong in 1976. The bilateral commercial relationship will complete 50 years in December this year.