ADB to Fund Tk 23B for Smart Agriculture and Food Tech R&D

UAE's Abu Dhabi Ports Group (ADPG) and Masdar plan significant investments in Bangladesh's port and renewable energy sectors. Masdar intends to invest $500 million in a 250-megawatt solar power project on reclaimed land along the coast.

BEPZA accounted for 29% of Bangladesh's total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in FY 2023-24, attracting $568.49 million in investments from 28 foreign companies despite global challenges. BEPZA facilitated exports worth $7.07 billion, contributing 16% to the country's $44.47 billion total export income.

Chinese companies are the second-largest investors in Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) zones, following local firms. China has 108 companies operating in the zones, compared to 148 Bangladeshi firms.

Four state-owned enterprises (SoEs) in Bangladesh reported cumulative losses of Tk 28,238 crore over 28 years due to inefficiencies. The Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) closed 25 mills in 2020, incurring Tk 9,497 crore in losses over 28 years, with profits reported only once.

Denmark's IFU will invest $12.5 million in AKS Khan Pharmaceuticals to expand its network of pharmacies and diagnostic centers, aiming to serve 8 million patients annually within three years. This investment, made through Denmark's Investment Fund for Developing Countries, reflects confidence in Bangladesh's progress.

Driven by last year's high potato prices, Bangladeshi farmers have significantly expanded potato cultivation, with an increase of 64,000 hectares compared to 2024. However, there are concerns about whether they will achieve the expected prices. Early harvesting has already begun, leading to price declines, with potatoes currently selling for Tk40 per kg in Dhaka.