United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and Hong Kong on Wednesday signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) to boost bilateral investment and enhance capital protection for investors of both sides. The agreement was signed during the opening session of the 11th Belt and Road Summit 2026 in Hong Kong, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce in Dhaka. Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh, while Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau signed for the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The commerce ministry stated that the agreement will strengthen capital protection for investors from both economies, foster an institutional investment environment, and unlock new avenues for economic cooperation. Hong Kong is currently the seventh-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh. Officials expect the IPPA to drive increased capital flow into potential growth sectors, particularly ready-made garments (RMG) and textiles. Over the last five years, Bangladesh has attracted nearly US$ 750 million in FDI from Hong Kong, including $122 million in 2025 alone. Experts and officials believe the formalisation of the investment framework through the IPPA will deepen economic ties and contribute positively towards narrowing Bangladesh's bilateral trade deficit.