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The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) hosted an investment seminar in Seoul titled ‘Gateway to Growth: Invest in Bangladesh’, bringing together Korean businesses, industry leaders, and development partners to explore strategic investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

The high-profile event at Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole Hotel drew participation from a large number of Korean audience (150+) from leading Korean companies actively investing or exploring market entry in Bangladesh. With Korean FDI stock at $1.56 billion across 150+ companies, South Korea stands as the 5^th largest foreign investor in Bangladesh. The seminar has been organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Republic of Korea and the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) and supported through technical cooperation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group.

Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of BIDA, engaged directly with Korean business leaders through an address while he assured of full support from his office to establish businesses in Bangladesh from scratch. He also mentioned that this is the most opportune time for Korean businesses to align with Bangladesh’s growth trajectory and capitalize the strengths and opportunities that are on offering in Bangladesh.

Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development at BIDA, delivered the keynote presentation, spotlighting investment prospects in textiles, electronics, and automobiles. He highlighted Bangladesh’s demographic dividend, market access in key geographies, and high return on investment for companies. “There has never been a better time to enter Bangladesh,” he said, referring to Bangladesh’s present status as similar to that of South Korea in the 1980s. Macroeconomic indicators from exports and currency stability to inflation are at their most favorable levels in recent years despite global uncertainties. The government has rolled out 32 targeted reform initiatives to facilitate business entry. And for those exploring Bangladesh for the first time, BIDA provides full-spectrum support - from investment advisory to factory setup-through our One Stop Service platform.”

Executives from Korean companies already operating in Bangladesh shared their on-the-ground experiences. Min-Suhk Lee, President of Youngone Corporation, Korea highlighted the company’s experience over the last four decades of running successful enterprises in Bangladesh. With $600 million invested and 30,000+ employees, Youngone’s success story is complemented by other Korean giants - Samsung Electronics operates assembly plants for mobile phones and electronics, while Hyundai manufactures SUVs for the domestic market. During his presentation, Lee also highlighted the numerous business and social ventures being undertaken by Youngone group in Bangladesh to become one of the most reliable and socially responsible corporates in the country.

The seminar also featured welcome remarks from Toufiq Islam Shatil, ndc, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, who invited Korean companies to partner in the development journey of Bangladesh. He noted that Bangladesh could be the ultimate gateway for Korean businesses in South Asia with the recent bold transformations undertaken by BIDA to facilitate FDI.

Mr. Chang-beom Kim, Vice Chairman & CEO of the Federation of Korean Industries, reflected on over half a century of Korea-Bangladesh economic cooperation. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s growth trajectory mirrors Korea’s industrial development, creating strong foundations for mutual understanding. Kim announced that Korea and Bangladesh are accelerating negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which began in August 2025, expected to further boost bilateral trade and investment.

The seminar is part of a broader strategic mission led by BIDA chairman Ashik Chowdhury, comprising senior officials from BIDA, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and representatives from the banking sector.

BIDA Chairman had a brief discussion with Korean journalists after the investment seminar. The delegation is also scheduled to attend a number of G2G and G2B meetings with Korean members of parliament and top Korean business leaders on 21-23 October 2025. The BIDA chairman will also participate in a discussion session with prominent businessmen and academicians from the diaspora.

For any investment inquiries and detailed information on opportunities in Bangladesh, Korean businesses can contact BIDA’s One Stop Service through the Bangladesh Embassy in Seoul or visit BIDA’s investment portal.

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