Conventional wisdom states that interim periods of transition are not the best time to invest in a country. The political turmoil that led to the July Uprising was obviously not the best advertisement to attract FDI into the country. But attracting FDI has never been the strong point of the country. Chronic corruption and weaknesses in the judicial system, particularly when it comes to the enforcement of contracts, have been the leading factors in that. But the interim government of Dr Muhammad Yunus, which seeks to set the country on the path to Bangladesh 2.0, where corruption and judicial weakness would ideally have no place.

As such, it makes sense for them to use Dr Yunus's star power to arrange a shiny showcase in front of global investors, that presents the best version of the Bangladesh they wish to see. To that end, the "Bangladesh Investment Summit" will take place in Dhaka from 7 - 10 April, 2025, which will be designed to showcase opportunities for Foreign Direct Investors in Bangladesh.

The initiative comes from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in direct cooperation with the office of the Chief Adviser Dr Yunus. The objective is to bring together potential investors to meet key government services and business representatives that already have a footprint in the country. Dr Yunus will inaugurate the Summit ahead of the first session on Renewable Energy, led by the European Union. Other sessions will cover the Textile and Apparel sector, the Digital Economy, Healthcare and Pharma and Agro-processing.

The Summit builds on this groundwork and offers an opportunity for foreign businesses to assess Bangladesh's attractiveness for investment firsthand BIDA will take selected participating investors on a visit to the Korean Export Processing Zone in Chattogram's Anwara; the National Special Economic Zone in Chattogram's Mirsharai; and the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Narayanganj's Araihazar.

During the summit, discussions will take place across various sessions at a five-star hotel in the capital. BIDA believes that the conference, through its sessions, investor exchanges, public-private sector connections and participation of foreign guests, will play a crucial role in the country's business, trade and economic progress.

Over 550 foreign investors from 50 countries have registered to participate, alongside more than 2,300 Bangladeshi investors, according to BIDA.

The event will focus on networking and direct engagement between investors and key government bodies, including the NBR and the Ministry of Commerce. Representatives from political parties will also have the opportunity to interact with investors separately. Top officials of Meta, Uber, Zara Group, DP World, Giordano, Telenor, Excelerate Energy, and Samsung are scheduled to participate in the investment summit, among others. Despite the interim administration, the response has already been through the roof - only a government led by Dr Yunus could have that much pulling power.

In his speech to the nation on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr and Independence Day, the CA was bullish and confident, with a good month or so behind him that has seen the initial turmoil die down significantly, and good things happening in various sectors. Dr Yunus was keen to showcase the IG's success in keeping prices in check, as well as providing uninterrupted electricity throughout the holy month of Ramadan. There might not be a better moment for him to showcase his country to the world.