The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) has pledged to help attract an additional $5 billion in US investment to Bangladesh over the next five years.

The organisation also emphasised the need for effective implementation of ongoing government reforms, policy consistency and stronger public-private partnerships to improve the country’s investment and business environment.

A delegation of AmCham’s executive committee made the commitment during a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday (August 11).

The delegation was led by AmCham Bangladesh President and Mastercard Vice President Syed Mohammad Kamal.

During the meeting, the delegation invited the prime minister to attend as chief guest the inaugural ceremony of the 30th US Trade Show, jointly organised by AmCham Bangladesh and the US Embassy in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman welcomed AmCham’s continued engagement and praised the organisation’s role in Bangladesh’s economic development.

AmCham told the meeting that it has been working since 1996 to strengthen Bangladesh-US economic and trade ties and promote a transparent, stable, competitive and investment-friendly business environment.

Its member companies collectively contribute more than 20% of Bangladesh’s tax revenue, the organisation said.

AmCham said its member companies have invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh over the past several years. It estimated that another $5 billion could be mobilised over the next five years through existing members and potential US investors interested in Bangladesh.

The organisation sought government support and the prime minister’s leadership to realise the investment potential.

AmCham welcomed various government initiatives aimed at improving the investment and business climate, particularly measures under the reform package for fiscal year 2026-27.

It highlighted initiatives to ensure approvals and licences within stipulated timelines, introduce a single-window system, digitise tax and VAT administration, reduce compliance burdens, improve the repatriation process for capital and profits, and simplify customs procedures.

At the same time, AmCham called for greater clarity and consistency in long-term policies for priority sectors, saying policy stability would boost investor confidence and facilitate long-term investment decisions.

The organisation also offered to support the government in digital governance, including effective implementation of the PDPA and NDGA, preparedness for the adoption of artificial intelligence, stronger cybersecurity capabilities and greater public-private cooperation.

AmCham said deeper cooperation in technology, AI and digital innovation, cloud technology and cybersecurity, healthcare and life sciences, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and financial-sector modernisation could strengthen Bangladesh’s position in global value chains.

It also proposed establishing a Digital Economy Advisory Forum or task force and a Public-Private Competitiveness Council to identify business barriers and support implementation of reforms.

AmCham suggested that these platforms include representatives from the government, business community, foreign investors and the chamber.

The organisation said it wants to work with the government not merely as an advocate making policy recommendations, but as a strategic partner. It offered to provide data and insights based on investors’ experiences, assist in policy formulation and implementation, connect Bangladesh with US corporate decision-makers, and promote the country’s reform agenda and investment opportunities internationally.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmood Bin Harun were present at the meeting.

Among the AmCham delegation were Vice President and MetLife Bangladesh CEO Ala Uddin Ahmed, Treasurer and Philip Morris Bangladesh Managing Director Reza-Ur Rahman Mahmood, and other executive committee members.