Starlink To Showcase Internet Capabilities At Bangladesh Investment Summit3 min read
Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is preparing to demonstrate its internet capabilities in Bangladesh during the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit. The showcase is scheduled for April 9, but this will not signify the official commercial launch of Starlink in the country. According to Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the full rollout will require additional time. The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on March 23 reportedly.
The Bangladesh Investment Summit, taking place from April 7 to April 10 at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, has drawn significant attention, with over 550 foreign investors from 50 nations registering to attend. More than 2,300 local investors are also expected to participate. Unlike traditional summits centered on seminars, this event will focus on networking and fostering investment opportunities. Key government agencies, including the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Ministry of Commerce, will hold exclusive sessions with potential investors to strengthen business ties and encourage investment.
Several high-profile executives will attend, including Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Zara Group; Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World; Rosy Winterton, UK trade representative and House of Lords member; Kyeongsu Lee, Vice President of Samsung C&T; JunSeok Han, CEO of Giordano; Steven Kobos, CEO of Excelerate Energy; Mike Orgill, Uber Asia Pacific’s Head of Public Policy; and Sarim Aziz, Meta’s Director of Public Policy. Leading venture capital firms such as B Capital, Gobi, Conjunction, Marubeni, and GFR will also be present, focusing on startups and digital economy expansion.
Read more: BSCL Seeks Strategic Partnership To Fast-Track Starlink’s Launch In Bangladesh
Chowdhury highlighted that the summit aims to present an accurate picture of Bangladesh’s investment landscape without inflating expectations. The event is expected to see strong representation from major global economies, including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, India, Singapore, and Japan.
On April 7, a 26-member South Korean delegation, alongside other foreign investors, will visit key industrial sites, including Chattogram, Mirsarai, and the Korean Export Processing Zone (EPZ). That same day, a startup showcase will be hosted at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, providing a platform for emerging businesses to present their innovations.
April 8 will see prominent international investors touring the Japanese Economic Zone in Narayanganj to assess potential business opportunities. The day will conclude with a networking event in the evening at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka.
The summit’s official inauguration will take place on April 9, led by the Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, alongside ambassadors, policymakers, and industry leaders. The day will feature a Youth Entrepreneurship Expo, highlighting innovative business ventures, and a breakout session on renewable energy, co-hosted by the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A cultural event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, will offer an immersive experience for attendees later that evening.
On the final day, April 10, discussions will focus on key investment sectors. Sessions on the digital economy will be led by Citi NA and UNDP, while HSBC and BGMEA will oversee discussions on the textile industry. The agriculture and agro-processing sector will be explored in collaboration with the Dutch Embassy and LCP, and the healthcare industry will be highlighted through contributions from Inspira, EBL, and the Sajida Foundation. Additionally, a matchmaking session will facilitate direct interactions between investors and business leaders, along with a roundtable discussion on global investment best practices.
The event is being supported by major partners, including UNDP, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Grameenphone, the World Bank, and the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), as confirmed by BIDA.
For more updates, be with Markedium.
