Bangladesh moves to create single investment agency by merging six bodies

Government of Bangladesh has initiated a fresh move to establish a unified Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) by merging six key institutions, aiming to streamline services and attract higher levels of foreign direct investment (FDI).
The Prime Minister’s Office has formed an inter-agency committee to determine the next steps, with a mandate to submit recommendations within 30 days, according to officials familiar with the development.
The proposed IPA will integrate major investment-related bodies, including the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, Public-Private Partnership Authority, and the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation.
The initiative is aimed at creating a more coordinated and investor-friendly environment by consolidating services under a single platform, improving efficiency, and aligning with international standards.
Officials said the government will decide the next course of action based on the committee’s recommendations. The move also reflects an earlier policy decision to unify investment promotion efforts, enabling better resource utilization and more responsive support for both domestic and foreign investors.
The proposed restructuring is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s investment climate, support sustainable economic growth, and boost employment generation through improved FDI facilitation.
