Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, on Thursday vowed to establish Bangladesh as a top global investment destination by ensuring a level playing field for both local and foreign investors.
To achieve this, the government will actively eliminate market irregularities and artificial trade barriers, he said.
The Adviser made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a three-day international exhibition titled “SAFE HVAC-R and Cold Chain 2026,” which commenced Thursday (May 14) at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital.
Highlighting upcoming fiscal reforms, Titumir announced that the government will undertake targeted initiatives to simplify tax policies and streamline investment-related regulations to cultivate a highly business-friendly ecosystem.
While acknowledging that countries like Vietnam and Indonesia currently hold a competitive edge as major investment hubs, the Adviser expressed strong optimism that Bangladesh is on track to become one of the world's most attractive investment destinations.
He described Bangladesh as one of the most promising investment landscapes in South Asia, urging international stakeholders to capitalize on the country's potential.
Calling upon foreign entrepreneurs to expand their footprints in Bangladesh, Titumir particularly urged nations like Türkiye to come forward with larger, strategic investment initiatives.
He further emphasized that Bangladesh could successfully transform into a pivotal regional investment hub, provided that policy consistency, institutional transparency, and an enabling business environment are guaranteed.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by a distinguished panel of special guests, including Bilal Belyurt, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Republic of Türkiye in Dhaka; Li Xiao, Director of the Yunnan Commercial Representative Office in Bangladesh; Lutfar Rahman Talukder, President of Bangladesh Air-Conditioning Equipment Importers Association (BAEIA); and Md Moshiur Rahman, President of the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI).
Other prominent attendees included Anwar Shahid, President of the Bangladesh Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI); Anwarul Islam, President of the Bangladesh Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Merchants Association (BRAMA); Engr. Al Emran Hossain, President of the ASHRAE Bangladesh Chapter & Bangladesh Green Building Academy; Engr. Md. Hasmotuzzaman, Former President of the ASHRAE Bangladesh Chapter; and Md. Faizul Alam, Managing Director of Savor International Limited.
According to the organizers, the exhibition is designed to showcase cutting-edge technologies, products, and innovations within the HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) and cold chain industries.
The event aims to foster collaboration and facilitate knowledge exchange among local and international investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, which is anticipated to drive new capital injections and expand commercial opportunities across the sector.
The exhibition will remain open to all visitors from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, running from May 14 to May 16.