Bangladesh to Broaden Horizons at 'Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025' with NASA, Starlink Collaboration
The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 is set to commence at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka on Monday, bringing with it groundbreaking technological milestones and a new era of international investment opportunities. Notably, Bangladesh is expected to sign an agreement with the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the event. The summit will also mark the first public demonstration of Starlink's internet connectivity in the country.
The summit, organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), will feature live streaming via Starlink’s internet service. Although Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and founder of Starlink, will not attend due to official responsibilities, the summit will highlight the capabilities of the Starlink network through live coverage on social media platforms.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Sunday (April 6), BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun said, “Attendees at the summit will also be able to connect to Starlink using their personal devices. They will get a first-hand experience.”
He further stated, “On March 29, we rolled out the NGSO (Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit) policy into the public domain. Based on their application, BIDA has provided registration. Today, they are expected to apply for the NGSO license. Once granted, they can begin commercial operations as early as the next day.”
However, he also noted that it may take some time for Starlink devices to physically arrive in Bangladesh after licensing is approved.
Summit Overview and Global Participation
The four-day summit, taking place from April 7 to April 10, is expected to host over 550 top-level delegates from more than 50 countries. Interim government’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, will deliver a keynote address on April 9. The summit proceedings will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube, with a designated media corner available for foreign investors’ interviews. Five national and international investors will be awarded during the event.
US Tariff Viewed as Opportunity for Reform
In response to recent US-imposed tariffs, Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud commented, “I see the US tariffs as an opportunity. The United States Trade Representative has provided a report on Bangladesh’s investment climate, recommending several key reforms including regulatory adjustments, customs duties, and anti-corruption measures. These are reforms we were already planning to implement.”
He added that the interim government is committed to initiating substantial reforms to create a more investor-friendly environment in Bangladesh.
Industry Focus and Delegation Activities
This year’s summit aims to attract major investments in five key sectors: renewable energy, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, digital economy, and the garment industry. Delegates will participate in factory visits and economic zone tours to explore investment potentials.
To ease political concerns, BIDA has arranged meetings between foreign delegates and key leaders of political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP, as part of confidence-building efforts. Instead of focusing on seminars and symposia, the summit will prioritize bilateral meetings to foster future joint ventures.
Special Events and Visits
On the first day, a special flight carrying over 60 entrepreneurs will visit the Korean EPZ in Chattogram and the Mirsarai National Special Economic Zone. Concurrently, a seminar titled Startup Connect and a Youth Entrepreneurship Fair will take place at the InterContinental. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to meet with early-stage companies, while day-long congregations and match-making events will facilitate partnerships.
On April 8, investors will visit the German Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj. Later that day, discussions will center around renewable energy, with multiple MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) expected to be signed, laying the foundation for future investment commitments.
The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 promises to be a pivotal event in enhancing global investor confidence and promoting Bangladesh as a forward-looking destination for innovation and growth.
