Chief Adviser calls for increased US investment in Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed a warm welcome for increased US investment in Bangladesh during a meeting today with Steven Kobos, CEO of Excelerate Energy, at the State Guest House Jamuna. 

He highlighted the government‍‍`s initiatives aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and enhancing the country’s business environment.

"You‍‍`ve come at an opportune moment," Professor Yunus remarked, underscoring the favorable climate for investment.

Kobos, who also chairs the US-Bangladesh Business Council, commended the Chief Adviser for his leadership of the interim government, stating that it has bolstered business confidence in Bangladesh. 

“There has been significant interest from American companies since your assumption of office,” he noted, pointing out that many leading US firms, including members of the Business Council, are eager to explore opportunities in Bangladesh.

He also announced Excelerate Energy‍‍`s plans to expand its investments in the energy sector and support decarbonization efforts in the country. The company aims to enhance the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Bangladesh.

Currently, Excelerate operates two offshore floating storage and regasification units that deliver 1.1 billion cubic feet of gas daily, representing approximately 34 percent of Bangladesh‍‍`s total gas supply.

During his recent trip to the US, Professor Yunus addressed an event hosted by the US-Bangladesh Business Council, encouraging all 50 member companies, including top American multinationals, to invest in Bangladesh.

Kobos was accompanied at the meeting by key Excelerate officials, including Peter Haas, a former US ambassador to Bangladesh who now serves as a strategic advisor for the company, as well as vice presidents Derek Wong and Ramon Wangdi, and country manager Habib Bhuiyan. The meeting also included senior government officials such as Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and head of SDG Affairs; Ashik Chowdhury, chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); and Saiful Islam, the energy secretary.