The AmCham Executive Committee, led by Mr. Syed Mohammad Kamal, President, AmCham Bangladesh and Vice President, Mastercard, called on the Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Tarique Rahman, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Secretariat as stated in the Press Release.
During the meeting, AmCham highlighted its longstanding role, since 1996, in strengthening Bangladesh-U.S. economic and commercial relations and promoting a transparent, predictable, competitive, and investment-friendly business environment. AmCham emphasized that its member companies collectively contribute more than 20% to the country’s tax exchequer, underscoring the significant contribution of the AmCham business community to Bangladesh’s economy.
AmCham highlighted that its member companies have invested more than US$5 billion in Bangladesh over the years, with significant potential for further investment. Looking ahead, AmCham expressed its commitment to help facilitate and mobilize a further US$5 billion in investment over the next five years through its existing members and prospective American companies considering investment in Bangladesh. AmCham sought the Honorable Prime Minister’s leadership and the Government’s partnership in creating the enabling environment to achieve this ambition.
AmCham acknowledged the Government’s progress in strengthening Bangladesh’s investment and business environment, particularly the shift toward practical investment facilitation under the FY2026-27 reform package. The delegation welcomed measures including time-bound approvals and licensing, Single Window implementation, digital tax and VAT administration, reduced compliance burdens, improved capital and profit repatriation processes, and simplified customs procedures. AmCham also recognized the importance of greater long-term policy predictability in priority sectors to support investor confidence and long-term investment decisions.
On digital governance, AmCham welcomed the enactment of the PDPA and NDGA and emphasized the importance of effective implementation, AI readiness, cybersecurity resilience, regulatory clarity, and continued public-private collaboration.
The delegation also recognized the U.S.-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement framework as a strategic opportunity to deepen bilateral economic engagement and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in global value chains. AmCham emphasized moving beyond market access toward a broader strategic economic partnership encompassing technology, AI and digital innovation, cloud and cybersecurity, healthcare and life sciences, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and financial-sector modernization.
Looking ahead, AmCham stressed that the priority should be effective execution of reforms and sustained competitiveness, including predictable tax and customs administration, reliable infrastructure and energy, and stronger institutionalized public-private collaboration. AmCham proposed a Digital Economy Advisory Forum/Task Force and a Public-Private Competitiveness Council, with appropriate representation from Government, business, foreign investors, and AmCham, to identify bottlenecks, support implementation, and strengthen investor confidence.
AmCham reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Government not only as an advocate, but as a strategic partner—providing investor intelligence and practical business feedback, supporting policy collaboration, connecting Bangladesh with U.S. corporate decision-makers, promoting the country’s reforms and investment opportunities internationally, and strengthening business-to-business engagement.
The delegation also invited the Honorable Prime Minister to grace the opening ceremony of the 30th U.S. Trade Show as Chief Guest, jointly hosted by AmCham Bangladesh and the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh.
During the fruitful discussion, the Honorable Prime Minister welcomed AmCham’s continued engagement and acknowledged its important role in Bangladesh’s economic development. Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman noted that Bangladesh has entered a new phase of economic transformation and offers a favorable investment environment. He affirmed that, following the continuation of important reforms, the Government’s priority is to ensure their effective implementation while strengthening investor confidence through policy predictability, efficient governance, and constructive dialogue with the business community.
He also assured prospective foreign investors of the Government’s full support and expressed its commitment to deepening collaboration with AmCham to advance Bangladesh–U.S. economic cooperation and shared prosperity.
Representing the Government, the meeting was also attended by Commerce Minister Mr. Khandakar Abdul Muktadir; Mr. Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology; and Mr. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
In addition to the AmCham President, the delegation included Mr. Ala Uddin Ahmad, Vice President, AmCham and CEO, MetLife Bangladesh; Mr. Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud, Treasurer, AmCham and Managing Director, Philip Morris Bangladesh Ltd.; Mr. Mohammad Habibur Rahman Bhuiyan, EC Member and Country Manager, Excelerate Energy Bangladesh Limited; Mr. Mohammad Rashel Al Mamun, EC Member and Country Manager & Managing Director, NATco Bangladesh; Mr. Mohammad Sazzad Hossain, EC Member and General Manager, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, Avery Dennison; Mr. Ataur Rahim Chowdhury, EC Member and CEO, ShopUp Limited; and Mr. Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh, Executive Director, AmCham.
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