1. Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
I. INTRODUCTION 5
II. FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) 7
III. DETERMINANTS OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT 9
IV. BANGLADESH AS A POTENTIAL DESTINATION 13
IV. GOVT. INITIATIVES & TRADE POLICIES 19
V. FDI THAT RESHAPES BANGLADESH ECONOMY 26
VII. BARRIERS TO FDI 28
VIII. ENDING SUMMARY 30
IX. RECOMMENDATION 31
X. BIBLIOGRAPHY 32
LIST OF ILLUSTRATION
Figure Page no
Chart 01. Present Scenario of FDI 8
Chart 02: Sector wise FDI percentage 8
Chart 03. Actual FDI inflow 2002-2004 9
Table 04. Reasonable business cost 17
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the beginning of the report, need to develop an idea about the vicious circle
and saving investment gap that establishes the need for external source of inve
st able funds in Bangladesh. Then, will be discussed on the main source of exter
nal invest able funds in Bangladesh with some statistics. After that the report
condensed on the foreign direct investment which is one of the major sources and
is of high potential for the development of our country. At the earlier stage o
f the discussion, it briefly exposes foreign direct investment. This segment exp
lained foreign direct investment and tried to find out the rationale behind it a
nd its major determinants. The present situation of foreign direct investment in
Bangladesh comes next in the report. This part shows us foreign direct investme
nt in Bangladesh is increasing gradually though still not up to the satisfactory
level with some necessary statistics. The government of Bangladesh has taken th
e policy of liberalizing trade, exchange and investment regime, current account
convertibility offering special incentive package to the foreign investors etc t
o enhance foreign direct investment in Bangladesh. Still then the foreign direct
investment is lower than the neighboring countries mainly because of poor accom
plishment of the new, liberal investment policies, slow government decision maki
ng corruption, labor militancy, sometimes uncertain law and order situation, poo
r infrastructure, inadequate commercial laws and courts and policy instability e
tc. The foreigners perceive Bangladesh as a country of natural disaster and poli
tical instability which is another reason for the low flow of invest able funds.
Conclusively, the report also clarifies the matter that this influential foreig
n direct investment may cause negative impact on our balance of payment if it is
not managed efficiently. To refrain from this situation we should take care of
our foreign exchange reserve, which is at an alarming position at present. We mu
st enhance our export income as well as decrease import expense to keep our fore
ign exchange reserve at a safe position that the repayment for profit and divide
nd to the foreign investors can be done comfortably.
I. INTRODUCTION
3. A. Origin of the Report:
Foreign direct investment plays a very important role in the economy of a least
developed country (LDC) like Bangladesh. This is because of the fact that the in
vest-able fund is very much scarce in the country. Recently Government of Bangla
desh has implemented quite a number of steps for attracting foreign investors. T
hese steps have resulted into enhancement of the foreign direct investment. To g
et a clear picture of the current foreign direct investment position in Banglade
sh and what would be the prospect of it and what actions are taken by the govern
ment and what the future holds for us we have availed this opportunity to select
the topic for the study.
B. Problem and Purpose:
(a)Problem Statement: The report seeks to address the following problem:
" To seek the information of present scenery of Foreign Direct Investment in Ban
gladesh"
(b)Purpose: The report has two Purposes
(i)Primary Purpose: The Primary Purpose is:
To fulfill the requirement of “Theory and Practice of International Business” course
under EMBA curriculum in Dhaka University
(ii)Secondary Purpose: The secondary Purpose is:
To acquire practical knowledge on "Foreign Direct Investment in Bangladesh"
C. Scope:
This report will basically illuminate the foreign direct investment in Banglades
h. Therefore, it will not cover other sources of foreign inflow of capital i.e.
portfolio investment and foreign loan/grant which also play an important role in
our economy
D. Limitations:
Though the report has endeavored to discus all the aspects of foreign direct inv
estment in Bangladesh, some of the limitations could not be avoided like:
The report does not use any primary data as the source of information due to lac
k of logistic support and time constraint.
Unavailability of very recent data causes the report to use data whatever is ava
ilable.
Lake of time because our final examination of all subjects are happening at the
same time
E. Methodology:
The data for the study has been collected from the secondary sources. Different
books, journals, and Internet sources are consulted for collection of necessary
data and information.
F. Acronyms:
FDI- Foreign Direct Investment
LDC – Least Developed Countries
BDG – Bangladesh Government
FY – Financial Year
GDP – Gross Development Product
BOI – Board of Investment
EPZ – Export Processing Zone
MOU – Memorandum of Understanding
KAFCO- Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited
BAT- British American Tobacco
BEPZA- Bangladesh Export processing Zones Authority
IRR- Internal Rate of Return
G. Report Preview:
At the outset the report presents various facets of prevailing foreign direct in
vestment situation of the country like what is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),
Present FDI Scenario in Bangladesh as An (FDI) destination, Investment Climate,
4. Incentives to Foreign Investors, Barriers to FDI, the risks involved and the man
agement of foreign direct investment in the country. Prospective Sectors, Major
(FDI) In The Pipeline (Tata, Asia Energy).Thereafter, Major companies ( Telecomm
unication sectors like GP, Warid, Banglalink, AKTEL etc, BAT, Unilever, BATA, KA
FCO, CHEVRON Etc) those puts impact on our economy is discussed, then the Facili
tators those are helping for foreign direct investment like BOI, BEPZA, Banglade
sh bank, Privatization commission, Register of joint stock companies . We are tr
ying to discuss about the need of FDI for Bangladesh, Key ways to attract foreig
n investor, some debate about FDI. Finally we are trying to find the major part
of the repot then we tried to recommend about "Foreign Direct investment" with o
ur little knowledge.
II. FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI)
A. Preface
FDI is defined as an investment involving a long-term relationship and reflectin
g a lasting interest and control by a resident entity in one economy (foreign di
rect investor or parent enterprise) in an enterprise resident in an economy othe
r than that of the foreign direct investor (FDI enterprise or affiliate enterpri
se or foreign affiliate). FDI implies that the investor exerts a significant deg
ree of influence on the management of the enterprise resident in the other econo
my. Such investment involves both the initial transaction between the two entiti
es and all subsequent transactions between them and among foreign affiliates, bo
th incorporated and unincorporated. FDI may be undertaken by individuals as well
as business entities. Flows of FDI comprise capital provided (either directly o
r through other related enterprises) by a foreign direct investor to an FDI ente
rprise, or capital received from an FDI enterprise by a foreign direct investor.
FDI has three components: equity capital, reinvested earnings and intra-company
loans. Equity capital is the foreign direct investor's purchase of shares of an
enterprise in a country other than its own. Reinvested earnings comprise the di
rect investor's share (in proportion to direct equity participation) of earnings
not distributed as dividends by affiliates, or earnings not remitted to the dir
ect investor. Such retained profits by affiliates are reinvested. Intra-company
loans or intra-company debt transactions refer to short- or long-term borrowing
and lending of funds between direct investors (parent enterprises) and affiliate
enterprises.
B. An Overview of Foreign Direct Investment
1. Historical Back ground
The amounts of foreign direct investment in Bangladesh have been disappointing,
although foreign companies are beginning to invest in the oil and gas and energy
sectors. It has been estimated that over 200 foreign firms have invested in Ban
gladesh, of which 26 operated prior to independence in 1971. Bangladesh's invest
ment performance from 1992-94 stagnated at only 12-13 percent of GDP; it increas
ed to nearly 17 percent in FY96, but it is generally held that only an investmen
t/GDP ratio of at least 20-25 percent and a GDP growth rate of over 7% can begin
to alleviate poverty on a large scale.
2. Present scenario of FDI in Bangladesh
Bangladesh received US$ 679 million as Foreign Direct Investment in fiscal year
2006-07. In FY05, FDI flow was $845 million and in FY04 the FDI flow was $460 mi
llion, according to latest statistics of Bangladesh Bank. A bit drop from previo
us year, the country fared well in
last fiscal year in view of political unrest. In spite of all this, the Board of
Investment has set an ambitious target of US$1 billion FDI in the current fisca
5. l year.
Chart: 01
3. Current Share of FDI in different Sectors
Telecommunications sector ropes in major foreign investment in the country, foll
owed by oil and gas sector. According to the Board of Investment (BOI), investme
nt in telecommunications sector claim 39 percent of the total FDI, textiles 20 p
ercent, chemical industries 8 percent, oil companies 20 percent, banks 11 percen
t and power companies 2 percent.
4. FDI Target and Achievement
The 4th FDI Inflow Survey found that, in 2004, total FDI inflow in Bangladesh
was US$ 660.8 million indicating 49.7% growth over the last year ( Figure: 3).
Simultaneously, the FDI amount is also 10.13% higher than the strategic FDI targ
et set by BOI under its Mid-term Strategic Plan 2003-06.
Chart: 3
III. DETERMINANTS OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
The unpredictability of autonomous FDI flows, in both scale and direction, has g
enerated a substantial research effort to identify their major determinants. An
extensive literature based generally on three approaches - aggregate econometric
analysis, survey appraisal of foreign investors' opinion, and econometric study
at the industry level - has failed to arrive at a consensus. This can be partly
attributed to the lack of reliable data, particularly at the sect oral level, a
nd to the fact that most empirical work has analyzed FDI determinants by pooling
of countries that may be structurally diverse. The investors mainly consider th
e followings for massive investment
A. Size of the Market
Econometric studies comparing a cross section of countries indicate a well-estab
lished correlation between FDI and the size of the market (proxies by the size o
f GDP) as well as some of its characteristics (for example, average income level
s and growth rates). Some studies found GDP growth rate to be a significant expl
anatory variable, while GDP was not,
probably indicating that where the current size of national income is very small
, increments may have less relevance to FDI decisions than growth performance, a
s an indicator of market potential.
In contrast, India, Pakistan and, to a certain extent, Bangladesh, have large ma
rkets but received proportionately relatively small (below 1%) FDI flows in 1986
-95. Some analysts interpret this as evidence of high potential for increased FD
I flows in the future; others stress that constraints are still restraining the
channeling of foreign investment to these countries. For the majority of low-inc
6. ome countries that fail to attract large FDI flows, their small domestic markets
are often cited as the main deterrent. Given other economic and political short
comings, most investors are doubtful about the value of installing a factory unl
ess they can achieve a `critical mass' for their products. Regional integration
is often perceived as a positive means of compensating for small national market
s. There is currently no clear evidence of the degree of this influence on FDI f
lows. Some investors expect positive spillover effects from the free trade areas
, but the benefits may well be concentrated in the economically stronger states.
B. Openness:
Whilst access to specific markets - judged by their size and growth is important
, domestic market factors are predictably much less relevant in export-oriented
foreign firms. A range of surveys suggests a widespread perception that `open' e
conomies encourage more foreign investment. One indicator of openness is the rel
ative size of the export sector. Singh and Jun's 1995 study indicates that expor
ts, particularly manufacturing exports, are a significant determinant of FDI flo
ws and that tests show that there is strong evidence that exports precede FDI fl
ows. China, in particular, has attracted much foreign investment into the export
sector.
In Bangladesh, on the other hand, foreign investors have been attracted to the m
anufacturing sector by its lack of quota for textiles and clothing exports to th
e European Union and US markets. Garment exports, for example, rose from virtual
ly nil in the 1970s to over one-half
f its export earnings by the early 1990s. In contrast, most low-income SSA econo
mies have remained more inward-oriented.
C. Labor Costs and Productivity:
Empirical research has also found relative labor costs to be statistically signi
ficant, particularly for foreign investment in intensive-intensive industries an
d for export- oriented subsidiaries.
However, when the cost of labor is relatively insignificant (when wage rates var
y little from country to country), the skills of the labor force are expected to
have an impact on decisions about FDI location. Productivity levels in sub-Saha
ran Africa are generally lower than in low-income Asian countries, and attempts
to redress the skill shortage by importing
Foreign workers have usually been frustrated by restrictions and delays in obtai
ning work permits. The lack of engineers and technical staff in these countries
is reported as holding back potential foreign investment, especially in manufact
uring; it lessens the attractiveness of investing in productive sectors.
D. Political Risk:
The ranking of political risk among FDI determinants remains somewhat unclear.
In general, so long as the foreign company is confident of being able to operate
profitably without undue risk to its capital and personnel, it will continue to
invest. Large mining companies, for example, overcome some of the political ris
ks by investing in their own infrastructure maintenance and their own security f
orces. Moreover, these companies are limited neither by small local markets nor
by exchange-rate risks since they tend to sell almost exclusively on the interna
tional market at hard currency prices.
Specific proxy variables (e.g. number of strikes and riots, work days lost, etc.
) have proved significant in some studies; but these quantitative estimates can
capture only some aspects of the qualitative nature of political risk. Surveys c
arried out in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa appear to indicate that politica
l instability, expressed in terms of crime level, riots, labor disputes and corr
uption, is an important factor restraining substantial foreign investment.
7. E. Infrastructure:
Infrastructure covers many dimensions, ranging from roads, ports, railways and t
elecommunication systems to institutional development (e.g. accounting, legal se
rvices, etc)
Studies in China reveal the extent of transport facilities and the proximity to
major ports as having a significant positive effect on the location of FDI withi
n the country. Recent evidence seems to indicate that, although telecommunicati
ons and airlines have attracted FDI flows (e.g. to India and Pakistan), other mo
re basic infrastructure such as road building remains unattractive, reflecting b
oth the low returns and high political risks of such investments.
Surveys in sub-Saharan Africa indicate that poor accounting standards, inadequat
e disclosure and weak enforcement of legal obligations have damaged the credibil
ity of financial institutions to the extent of deterring foreign investors. Bad
roads, delays in shipments of goods at ports and unreliable means of communicati
on have added to these disincentives.
F. Incentives and Operating Conditions:
Most of the empirical evidence supports the notion that specific incentives such
as lower taxes have no major impact on FDI, particularly when they are seen as
compensation for continuing comparative disadvantages. On the other hand, removi
ng restrictions and providing good business operating conditions are generally b
elieved to have a positive effect.
In China, the `open-door' policy and enhanced incentives for investing in the sp
ecial economic zones contributed to the initial influx of FDI. Further incentive
s, such as the granting of equal treatment to foreign investors in relation to l
ocal counterparts and the opening up of new markets (e.g. air transport, retaili
ng, banking), have been reported as important factors in encouraging FDI flows i
n recent years.
The lack of transparency in investment approval procedures and an extensive bure
aucratic system deters foreign investors. In 1991, Bangladesh and Pakistan imple
mented reforms allowing foreign investors to operate with 100% foreign ownership
but still failed to attract significant flows (as a proportion of GNP) because
of political instability and an over-extended bureaucracy. Nigeria, in contrast,
continues to attract foreign investment as an oil-exporting country despite its
erratic and relatively inhospitable policies. With regard to the remaining low-
income countries with small FDI inflows, surveys indicate that the lack of a cle
ar-cut policy with respect to foreign investment and excessive delays in approva
l procedures are amongst the most important deterrents. Although a number of Afr
ican
countries set up `one-stop investment shops' during the 1980s in order to simpli
fy approval procedures, the increased workload created bottlenecks.
G. Privatization:
Though privatization has attracted some foreign investment flows in recent years
(e.g. Nigeria in 1993 and Ghana in 1995), progress is still slow in the majorit
y of low- income countries, partly because the divestment of state assets is a h
ighly political issue. In India, for example, organized labor has fiercely resis
ted privatization or other moves, which threaten existing jobs and workers' righ
ts. At a regional level, 1994 figures show 15% of FDI flows to Latin America as
derived from privatization, but only 8.8% in sub-Saharan Africa and 1.1% in Sout
h Asia. A number of structural problems are constraining the process of privatiz
ation.
Financial markets in most low- income countries are slow to become competitive;
8. they are characterized by inefficiencies, lack of depth and transparency and the
absence of regulatory procedures. They continue to be dominated by government a
ctivity and are often protected from competition. Existing stock markets are thi
n and illiquid and securities debt is virtually non-existent. An under-developed
financial sector of this type inhibits privatization and discourages foreign in
vestors.
IV. BANGLADESH AS A POTENTIAL DESTINATION
A. Bangladesh as a FDI Destination:
The Industrial Policy 1991 and its recently announced amendments, the associated
reforms in trade policies and fiscal and taxation policies now augur well for i
nvestment by the foreign nationals and companies and also non-resident Banglades
hi nationals. No approval is required for any investment by the foreign investor
s in any sectors of the economy except for a few areas (strategic ones) which ar
e still reserved for public investment only. The foreign investment (promotion &
protection) Act, 1980 guarantees protection to foreign investment against natio
nalization and also guarantees equitable treatment. Bangladesh is a signatory of
Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) of the World Bank group, Overse
as
Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and International Center for Settlement of
Investment Disputes (ISCID) and therefore, also guarantees investors protection
against political and other risks. Following facilities are also available for
foreigners and non-resident Bangladeshis.
B. Investment Climate:
Bangladesh offers an unparalleled investment climate compared to the other South
Asian economies. Bangladesh is a largely homogenous society with no major inter
nal or external tensions and a population with great resilience in the face of a
dversity (e.g. natural calamities). Bangladesh is a liberal democracy and mostly
a one race and one religion country. The population of this country irrespectiv
e of race or religion have been living in total harmony and understanding for th
ousands of years. Broad non-partisan political support for market oriented refor
m and the most investor-friendly regulatory regime in south Asia. Trainable, ent
husiastic, hardworking and low-cost (even by regional standards) labor force sui
table for any labor-intensive industry. Geographic location of the country is id
eal for global trades with very convenient access to international sea and air r
oute. Bangladesh is endowed with abundant supply of natural gas, water and its s
oil is very fertile. Although Bengali is the official language, but English is g
enerally used as second language. Majority of even moderately educated populatio
n can read, write and speak in English. As a result of low per capita GDP of onl
y US$ 386, present domestic consumption is not significant. However, it should a
lways be considered that there exists a middle class with some purchasing power.
As economic growth picks up, the purchasing power will also grow substantially.
And in a country of more than 130 million people, even a small middle class may
constitute a significant market. Furthermore, Bangladesh products enjoy duty fr
ee and quota free access to almost all the developed countries. This access to t
he global market is further helped by the fact that policy regime of Bangladesh
for foreign direct investment by far the best in South Asia. Most Bangladeshi pr
oducts enjoy complete duty and quota free access to EU, Japan, USA, Australia an
d most of the developed countries. However, for apparel export to USA, we have c
ertain quota regime which is generally favorable to Bangladesh.
9. C. High IRR
For most of the business Internal Rate of Return is very high in Bangladesh. Tha
t means investors can get back their invested money very quickly. They can reinv
est it. It indicates that profitability is very high here. That’s why they choose
Bangladesh for investment
D. Incentives to Foreign Investor:
The democratic government is highly keen to stimulate the economy and transform
a poverty-stricken economy to NIE within short time. Government has liberalized
the industrial and investment policies in recent years by reducing bureaucratic
control over private investment and opening up many areas. Major incentives are
as follows:
(1) Tax Exemptions:
Generally 5 to 7 years. However, for power generation exemption is allowed for 1
5 years.
(2) Duty:
No import duty for export oriented industry. For other industry it is @ 5% adval
orem.
(3) Tax Law:
Double taxation can be avoided in case of foreign investors on the basis of bila
teral agreements.
Exemption of income tax up to 3 years for the expatriate employees in industries
specified in the relevant schedule of Income Tax ordinance.
(4) Remittance:
Facilities for full repatriation of invested capital profit and divided.
(5) Exit:
An investor can wind up on investment either through a decision of the AGM or EG
M. Once a foreign investor completes the formalities to exit the country, he or
she can repatriate the sales proceeds after securing proper authorization from t
he Central Bank.
(6) Ownership:
Foreign investor can set up ventures either wholly owned on in joint collaborati
on with local partner.
(7) Tax Holiday:
Tax holiday facilities will be available for 5 or 7 years depending on location
of the industrial enterprise. Dhaka and Chittagong Divisions (excluding 3 hill t
ract districts of Chittagong Division) 5 years Khulna, Sylhet, Barisal and Rajsh
ahi Divisions And 3 Chittagong hill tract districts 7 years Tax holiday faciliti
es will be provided in accordance with the existing laws. The period of tax holi
day will be calculated from the month of commencement of commercial production.
Tax holiday certificate will be issued by NBR for the total period within 90 day
s of submission of application. This facility can be availed of by industries se
t up within June 30, 2000 ADB
(8) Concessionary Duty on Imported Capital Machinery:
Import duty, at the rate of 5% advalorem, is payable on capital machinery and s
pares imported for initial installation or BMR/BMRE of the existing industries.
For 100% export oriented industries, no import duty is charged in case of capita
l machinery and spares. Value Added Tax (VAT) is not payable for imported capita
l machinery and spares.
(9)Incentives to Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs):
Investment of NRBs will be treated at par with FDI. Special incentives are prov
ided to encourage. NRBs for investment in the country. NRBs will enjoy facilitie
s similar to those of foreign investors. Moreover, they can buy newly issued sha
res/ debentures of Bangladeshi companies. A quota of 10% has been fixed for NRBs
in primary public shares. Furthermore, they can maintain foreign currency depos
its in the Non-resident Foreign Currency Deposit (NFCD) account.
(10) Other Incentives:
Tax exemption on royalties, technical know-how fees received by any foreign coll
aborator, firm, company and expert.T4x exemption on the interest on foreign loan
10. s under certain conditions. Avoidance of double taxation in case of foreign inve
stors on the basis of bilateral agreements. Exemption of income tax up to 3 year
s for the foreign technicians employed in industries specified in the relevant s
chedule of income tax ordinance. Tax exemption on income of the private sector p
ower generation company for 15 years from the date of commercial production. Fac
ilities for full repatriation of invested capital, profit & dividend.6 months mu
ltiple entry visa for the prospective new investors. Re-investment of reportable
dividend treated as new investment. Citizenship by investing a minimum of US$ 5
,00,000 or by transferring US$ 10,00,000 to any recognized financial institution
(non-reportable).Permanent residents hip by investing a minimum of US$ 75,000 (
non-reportable).10 percent products of the enterprises, located in both public a
nd private EPZs will be allowed to be exported to domestic tariff area against f
oreign currency L/C on payment of applicable duties and taxes.100% percent expor
t-oriented industry outside EPZ will be allowed to sell 20% percent of their pro
ducts in the domestic market on payment of applicable duties and taxes.
E. Reasonable Business Cost:
.Table: Doing Business in Bangladesh - Summary of Costs
Land (US$)
Average price of developed land in the different industrial belts varies dependi
ng on location (price per square meter). 10.0-15.0
Construction
Average per square meter 100-125
Gas Tariff
Average per 000 cubic meter 64
Power Tariff
Average per kW/h 0.07
Human Resources: Labor Force
Average per month depending on skill level 50-100
Human Resources : Management
Mid-Level : Average US$ per annum 6000
Top-Level : Average US$ per annum 30000
Sea Freight (in US$ Approx.)
Destinations 20 FCL 40 FCL
Major European Ports 900 1,800
USA - East Coast (NY) 2,000 3,000
USA - West Coast (LA) 1,900 2,550
Canada (Toronto / Montreal) 2,700 3,700
Australia (Melbourne) 800 1,600
New Zealand (Auckland) 1,250 2,400
Hong Kong 500 900
UAE (Dubai) 800 1,600
Tax Structure
Personal Income:
On the first Tk. 100,000 Nil
On the next Tk. 50,000 10%
On the next Tk. 150,000 18%
On the balance 25%
Corporate Income:
Industrial companies with Public Share 35%
All Other Public and Private companies 40%
F. Prospective Sectors
Power, energy, garment, textile, jute, IT, leather, ceramic, light engineering,
frozen food, agro-based industries and gas-based industries are the prospective
sectors for investment. The sector offers immense opportunity as they enjoy both
11. domestic and export markets and fiscal incentives.
G. Lofty Marginal productivity of Capital
Bangladesh is a labor intensive country. It lacks capital resources like modern
technology, heavy machineries, Expertise and so on. So the marginal productivity
is very high here then other developed countries. It means that the same amount
of capital resources can earn more profit here. It attracts the foreigners to i
nvest here.
H. Bilateral investment agreement
The Foreign Investment Act includes a guarantee of national treatment. National
treatment is also provided in bilateral investment treaties for the promotion an
d protection of foreign investment which have been concluded with 14 countries:
the USA, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Paki
stan, Romania, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey and the UK. Separate bilateral agre
ements for avoidance of double taxation have already been signed with 20 countri
es which include: Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy
, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka,
Sweden, Thailand, the Netherlands and the UK. Double taxation avoidance negotia
tions are also being held with USA, Iran, the Philippines, Qatar, Australia, Nep
al, Turkey, Indonesia, Cyprus, Norway, Finland and Spain.
I. Major FDI in the Pipeline:
Some major investment proposals are pending with Board of Investment. Indian gia
nt Tata Group has been negotiating with the Bangladesh government for a US$ 3 bi
llion investment in power, steel and fertilizer sector. Indian legendary entrepr
eneur Ratan Tata visited Bangladesh to expedite Tata investment in Bangladesh. L
ondon-based Asia Energy is waiting for government approval for a US$ 2.5 billion
investment in coal and power sector. In 2005, UAE-based Abu Dhabi Group signed
a land-breaking MOU with the Board of Investment of Bangladesh for a US$ 1 billi
on investment in telecommunications, pharmaceutical, hospitality, energy and tou
rism sectors. Apart of the MOU, the group’s concern Warid Telecom has so far inves
ted over US$ 500 million (Taka 3,500 core) in Bangladesh which
makes it the single largest investor from the Middle East. Global Oil & Energy L
td UK, the offshore investment wing of Ispat Industries, a firm owned by India’s M
ittal family, seeks to investment in power and energy sector. India’s Eassar Group
also has placed a big investment proposal in the country.
IV. GOVT. INITIATIVES & TRADE POLICIES
A. Export Policy
The Export Policy 1997-2002 has been designed to operate in the imperative and o
pportunity of the market economy with a view to maintaining growth of export and
narrowing down the gap between import payment and export earning.
(1)Objectives of Export Policy:
Diversify the range of exports and improve their quality
Set up backward-linkage industries and services and promote use of local inputs
in export products to maximize value addition particularly in textile sector;
Extend fiscal and other incentives to attract entrepreneurs both local and forei
gn to invest in export-oriented industries;
Consolidate existing market and explore and develop new ones.
Take advantage of the post Uruguay Round liberalized and globalize international
market
Develop an export infra-structure
And develop trained human resources in export sector.
12. (2) Strategy of Export Policy:
The main elements of the long term export strategy are as follows :
Remove all bottlenecks to achieve the objectives of export policy;
Provide policy support to private sector operators on a continuous basis to ensu
re competitiveness
Strengthen support services and infrastructure for exports and export-oriented i
ndustries;
Priority will be given to build such infrastructure;
Develop managerial and entrepreneurial skills through HRD programmers;
Design an appropriate export development program to broaden and diversify the co
untry’s export base which is central to the export strategy;
Build long term capability to export by developing new products through adaptati
on and increased R&D activities;
Maximize utilization of financial and other assistance extended by WTO to the LD
Cs;
Ensure maintenance of ecological balance and pollution free environment in the p
roduction of exportable goods;
Extend technical and marketing assistance for development of new products and th
eir marketing.
(3)Thrust Export Sectors
The following sectors have been declared as thrust sectors in the current Export
Policy :
Leather and Leather Goods
Readymade Garments
Computer Software
Agro-Processing Industry
Commodities under the Crash Programmed
Toys luggage and fashion items, electronics, silk fabric, leather goods, Diamond
cutting and polishing, jewelers, stationery goods, cut and artificial flower an
d orchids, gift items vegetables and engineering consultancy and services.
Soft term credit will be provided for product development of these items in addi
tion to marketing facilities etc.
B. Import Policy
Liberalization of imports through removal and significant reduction of tariff a
nd non-tariff barriers and gearing up customs administration for speedy clearanc
e of goods. At present maximum tariff rate is 37.5%.
Rationalization of the tariff structure to remove disincentives to domestic prod
uction arising from tariff anomalies; this involves lowering of duties, particul
13. arly on industrial inputs and capital machinery; and
Making foreign exchange convertible in current account transactions. A key objec
t of tariff rationalization was to create a neutral trade regime by eliminating
anti-export bias resulting from high tariffs and Quantitative Restrictions (QRs)
. The government is committed to the reduction of tariffs as part of its liberal
ization programmer under WTO.
Like tariff rationalization, significant progress has been made in removing QRs.
whereas almost 25 per cent of all items under 4-digit headings of imports were
subject to QRs in 1990, now only 119 items covering only 2 per cent of imports a
re so disposed. Of these, only 27 items are restricted for trade reasons.
C. Industrial Policy
The Fifth Five Year Plan of Bangladesh envisages that Bangladesh will have withi
n a decade a sizable industrial sector where manufacturing will account for at l
east 25 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in place of present 11.3 pe
rcent and at least 20 per cent of the employed workforce in place of present 7.7
percent.
E. Facilities in the Export Processing Zones
To assist in the establishment of export-oriented industries, an Export Processi
ng Zone has been set up in the port city of Chittagong. To provide facilities fo
r setting up air-freighted, another Export Processing Zone is being developed at
Savar near Dhaka. In this area industries may be established entirely through f
oreign investment or through joint ventures of local and foreign investors of en
tirely through local initiative. Infrastructural facilities which are essential
for industries existing in the areas like warehouses, communication water supply
, electricity, gas etc. Besides, the following facilities are provided to indust
ries situated in these areas:
Income tax exemption for 10 years and income tax rebate of 50% on export earning
after this period
Duty free import of raw materials, machinery, construction materials and other m
aterials used in manufacturing process
Income tax exemption on salaries of foreign executives and technicians for three
years
Tax exemption on interest on foreign loans
Tax exemption on royalties, technical know-how and technical assistance fees
Tax exemption on the profits on accounts of transfer of shares by foreign compan
ies
Reallocation of running manufacturing units from abroad EPZ
Export linkage materials required for production of goods to be exported will be
allowed to be exported through back-to-back LC by recognized export oriented in
dustries which operates through bonded warehouse facilities to be interior of th
e country
Offshore banking facilities
Backward linkage industries to supply materials for production in the EPZ will b
e encouraged.
F. Classification of Investment in the EPZs
(1) Type A:
One hundred percent foreign investment including investment made by Bangladeshis
living abroad. Under this type of investment, the total investment cost includi
ng the construction, raw materials cost and requirement for the whole of working
capital have to be met through the foreign investors own source of foreign curr
ency.
(2) Type B:
Joint collaboration of projects by foreign investors and Bangladeshi investors l
iving within the country. Under this type of investment, the expenditure of the
project will be met as per ratio of investment of the local and foreign partners
14. . But the cost of all imported machineries must be met by the foreign partner.
(2) Type C:
Hundred percent investments made by Bangladeshi investors residing in Ba
ngladesh. Under this type of investment, the cost of machineries, spare parts, r
aw materials and other imported goods will have to be met through supplier credi
ts/ non- repairable foreign currency, credits/pay as you earn scheme and through
any other approved arrangements.
G. Thrust Sector Industries
Agro-based industries
Artificial flowers
Computer Software and Information Technology
Electronics
Frozen food
Cut flower
Gift items
Infra-structure
Jute products
Jewelers and Diamond and Polishing
Leather
Oil and Gas
Seri-culture and silk industry
Stuffed toys
Textiles industries and
Tourism.
H. Reserved Industrial Sectors
Arms and Ammunition and other defense equipment and machinery
Production of Nuclear Energy
Security printing (currency notes)
Forest Plantation and Mechanized extraction within the bounds of Reserved forest
s.
H. Telecommunications Policy
The aim of the TP, 1998 is to develop a national sound telecommunication infrast
ructure to support the economy and welfare of the country by providing satisfact
ory telecommunication facilities. The strategic vision of the Government is to f
acilitate Universal Telephone service throughout the country at an affordable co
st without compromising performance. To achieve this Government’s role as a servic
e provider will diminish as the private sector’s role increases and its ability to
formulate policy, regulate and facilitate will be strengthened through a new Te
lecommunications Act and the establishment of new institutions including a Telec
ommunication Regulatory Board which will become the guardian of the Act and fulf
ill its regulatory functions.
I. Energy Policy
Due to overriding importance of energy in socio-economic development, the Govern
ment of Bangladesh has given urgent attention to the overall development of ener
gy sector. It involved survey, exploration, exploitation and distribution of ind
igenous natural gas; survey and exploitation of hydropower; survey of coal and p
eat; establishment of petroleum refining facility and distribution systems; and
establishment of power generation plants and networks for transmission and distr
ibution of electricity. During last two decades about 20% (percent) of total pub
lic sector investment was allocated for the development of energy sector. In 19
90 only 2.2 % of total households (mostly in urban areas) had piped natural gas
connections for cooking and 10 % of households had electricity connections and o
15. nly 3.9% of total households used kerosene for cooking. The Government has decid
ed to formulate National Energy Policy (NEP) to ensure proper exploration, produ
ction, distribution and rational use of energy sources to meet the growing energ
y demand of different zones, consuming sectors and consumers groups on a sustain
able basis.
J. Foreign Exchange Policy
Liberalization of Exchange Control Regulations In its bid to liberalize Banglade
sh’s foreign exchange policies, Bangladeshi ‘Taka’ was declared convertible for curren
t external transactions, on March 24, 1994.
To facilitate investment it has also been decided that prior approval of the Ban
gladesh Bank is no longer required for :
Remittance of profits to their head offices by foreign firms and companies
Issuance of shares to non-residents against investments for setting up industrie
s
Remittance of dividends on such shares to the non-resident investors
Portfolio investment by non- residents including foreign individuals / enterpris
es in shares and securities through stock exchanges
Remittance of sale proceeds including capital gains of portfolio investments of
non-residents through stock exchanges
Opening of letters of credit by banks against suppliers’ credit and other foreign
borrowings contracted by industrial enterprises in the private sector in accorda
nce with general guidelines prescribed by BOI
interest of LIBOR + 4%, repayment period not less than 7 years ) or with specifi
c approval of BOI
Remittance in repayment of principal and payment of interest of such loans
Remittance of technical fees and royalties against technical assistance / royalt
y agreements in conformity with BOI guidelines
Remittance of savings of expatriate personnel at the time of their leaving Bangl
adesh out of the salaries and benefits stated in their employment contracts as a
pproved by BOI
Extension of term loans by banks on normal banking considerations to foreign fir
m and
Extension of working capital loans to all foreign owned/ controlled industrial a
nd trading firms/companies by banks on the basis of banker-customer relationship
and normal banking practice.
K. Manpower and Labor Policy
Bangladesh offers a substantial manpower reserve – skilled, unskilled, educated an
d otherwise . There is a good supply of easily trainable low cost labour in the
country.
16. (1) Employment conditions :
The minimum age for workers in Bangladesh is 18 years in factories and establish
ments. In the private sector, the dignity of labor is ensured in accordance with
the principles enunciated in the ILO convention and recommendations.
(2) Labor Laws :
In Bangladesh 44 labor laws are now in operation. These relate to (a) wages and
employment, (b) trade union & industrial disputes, (c) working environment and
( d ) labor administration and related matters. The main labor laws are : (i) Wo
rkmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 (ii) Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (iii) Maternity Ben
efit Act, 1936 (iv) Employment of Labor (Standing Orders) Act, 1965 (v) Shops &
Establishments Act, 1965 (vi) Factories Act, 1965 (vii) Industrial Relations Ord
inance, 1969
(3) Wages and fringe benefits :
In the public sector, wages and fringe benefits of the workers are determined by
the government on the recommendation of the National Wages Commission establish
ed from time to time. Such Commissions were appointed in 1973, 1977, 1984, 1989
& 1992. Wages & fringe benefits declared by the government in 1997 have 20 grade
s of wages. In the private sector, the wages & fringe benefits of the workers an
d employees are determined through collective bargaining process. Sometimes priv
ate industries follow the public sector wages & salary structure for their worke
rs and employees respectively.
(4) Working hours:
Workers in the public or private sector remain at their job for eight and a half
hours daily (including half an hour for meal or rest), with Friday as weekly ho
liday making 48 working hours a week . Work in excess of these, is paid as overt
ime. The rate of overtime is 2 hours pay for 1 hour job.
(5) Registration under Factories Act
Any manufacturing company employing ten or more workers (with or without use of
power) is required to be registered under the Factories Act, 1965 (Act IV of 196
5) with the office of the Chief Inspector of Factories and Establishment. The Ac
t is primarily to regulate working conditions and to ensure safety measure in th
e factory.
(6)Clearance from the department of environment
A certificate in respect of proper arrangement for anti-pollution and safety mea
sures will be required from the Department of Environment before setting up an i
ndustry.
(7)Support Service Institutions
The following institutions extend industrial support service to the industries u
nder both public and private sector:- Bangladesh Council for Scientific and Indu
strial Research (BCSIR). Bangladesh Industrial Technical Assistance Centre (BITA
C) ,Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM) ,Bangladesh Standard and Testing In
stitution (BSTI) ,Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS)
(8)Chamber of Commerce and Industries
Undertakes research works and formulates various possibilities of commercial and
industrial exploitation of the existing indigenous resources. Undertakes qualit
y control measures for various industrial products. Provides vocational and tech
nical training for the apprentices of engineering industries. Provides personnel
training for management of staffs of various industries. Sets up national stand
ard for industrial products. Responsible for enforcing standardization (quality
& specification) through issue of certificates. Undertakes research programmed
of various fields of industries including training of executives of both private
and public agencies responsible for industrial management, industrial financing
and
evaluation of schemes. Publishes periodicals on various research studies. Extend
Support services to the private sector and assist public sectors in formulation
of various public policies relating to Trade, Commerce and Industry.
17. V. FDI THAT RESHAPES BANGLADESH ECONOMY
Foreign direct investment played pivotal role in bolstering Bangladesh economy.
The investment ushered the era of industrialization and development of service s
ector in the country. The investment has generated huge employment opportunities
and improved living standard and lifestyle of the countrymen. The investments t
hat contributed to national up liftmen are: Unilever, Grameenphone, Bata, Unilev
er, Berger, BAT, BOC, KAFCO, AKTEL, Banglalink, Chevron, Cairns, etc.
VI. FDI FACILITATORS
A. Board of Investment (BOI)
Board of Investment (BOI) is the prime FDI facilitating and executing wing of th
e government. Attached directly with Chief Adviser’s Office, the office is respons
ible to attract both local and foreign investment and help the investors impleme
nt the projects.
(1) Major Functions of BOI include:
• Providing necessary facilities and assistance in the establishment of industries
.
• Providing safety and security to properties of foreign investors
• Providing work permit to foreign investors
• Implementing investment related GOB policies.
• Preparing investment schedule.
• Registering private sector industrial projects; and
Identifying competitive investment sectors and facilitating investment by provid
ing information and services.
• The BOI also includes a Utility Service Cell that offers pre-investment counseli
ng, facilitation of utility connections, and assistance with import clearance an
d warehousing licenses.
• BOI offers Welcoming Service to the visiting foreign investors. The service incl
udes reception at airport, hotel booking, transport arrangement and drawing up i
tinerary in accordance with the need of the foreign investors visiting Banglades
h.
(2)Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA):
In order to stimulate rapid economic growth of the country, particularly through
industrialization, the government has adopted an Open Door Policy to attract
foreign investment to Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authori
ty (BEPZA) is the official organ of the government to promote, attract and facil
itate foreign investment in the Export Processing Zones. The primary objective o
f an EPZ is to provide special areas where potential investors would find a cong
enial investment climate, free from cumbersome procedures. BEPZA runs eight expo
rt processing zones in Chittagong, Dhaka, Mongla, Ishwardi, Comilla, Uttara (Nil
phamari), Adamjee (Narayanganj) and Karnaphuli (Chittagong). A total of 264 ente
rprises in EPZs, 60 of which is 100 percent foreign owned, export over US$ 1 bil
lion a year. 10 percent products of the enterprises, located in both public and
private EPZs will be allowed to be exported to domestic tariff area against fore
ign currency L/C on payment of applicable duties and taxes.
Major Functions of BEPZA include:
• Promotion of foreign (FDI) & local investment
• Promotion of export
18. • Diversification of export
• Development of backward & forward linkages
• Generation of employment
• Transfer of technology
• Upgradation of skill
• Development of management
• Promotion of int l marketing skill / access
(3) Privatization Commission:
With the formulation of the Privatization policy in 2001 and the Privatization R
egulations in 2007, the commission is operational than ever before to disinvest
the loss-incurring state-owned business enterprises. The privatization drive has
created huge investment scope for foreign investors. The commission has for far
handed over more than 100 enterprises to private management and scores of enter
prises are in the pipeline. So, the foreign investors can take part in the open
tender process to invest in the sectors. Saudi Prince is in talk with the commis
sion to buy Rupali Bank.
(4)Bangladesh Bank:
Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of the country, was established as a body corp
orate in line with the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 with effect from 16th Decembe
r, 1971.
The broad objectives of the Bank are:
a) To regulate the issue of the currency and the keeping of reserves;
b) To manage the monetary and credit system of Bangladesh with a view to stabili
zing domestic monetary value;
c) To preserve the par value of the Bangladesh Taka;
d) To promote and maintain a high level of production, employment and real incom
e in Bangladesh; and to foster growth and development of the country s productiv
e resources for the national interest
e) Facilitate remittance flow of the foreign investors and easy repatriation
(5)Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms:
Office of the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms under the Ministry of C
ommerce facilitates registration of local and foreign companies. This Office acc
ords registration of Companies, Associations and Partnership Firms under the Com
panies Act, other related acts, rules, orders and ensures lawful administration
of them.
VII. BARRIERS TO FDI
A. Political Uncertainty:
Unstable Political situation is the prime barrier to foreign direct investment i
n the country. There are instances that frequent hartal, shutdown, transportatio
n blockade shied away investors to other countries. In the 21st century, foreign
companies 24/7 service, so they can not afford to pour in their hard-earned mon
ey in a country of strike that hampers productivity.
B. Lack of Infrastructure:
19. Infrastructure is the platform of new investment. Bangladesh sometime loses FDI
it can not convince foreign investors on power, telecommunications, port, roads
and highways, utility and other facilities.
C. Corruption:
Corruption plays as a major barrier to overseas investment. Bangladesh’s corruptio
n perception index discourages foreign investors.
D. Excessive Bureaucracy:
Excessive bureaucracy leads to delay in taking decision and providing service an
d also leave scope for corruption. Many believe Tata and Asia Energy are going t
o be victim of excessive bureaucracy and indecision in the government machinery.
E. Image Crisis:
All these political unpredictability, corruption, bureaucratic bottlenecks natur
al calamity, and shortage of infrastructure earn Bangladesh a bad name in world
community. In spite of having cheap labor, competitive business cost and lucrati
ve incentives, the country often falls victim to image crisis when it comes to F
DI.
VIII. ENDING SUMMARY
After foreign currency loans and foreign aids, foreign direct investment is the
most important source of capital inflow in Bangladesh. Realizing the importance
of foreign direct investment in the growth of the country the Government of Bang
ladesh has taken different steps to open up its economy towards the foreign inve
stors. Trade and exchange liberalization, current account convertibility, libera
lization of investment regime are the major steps taken by the government since
the early nineties. Besides, the comparative advantage of cheap labor and recent
finding of significant amount of natural gas have created a great opportunity f
or the investor to invest in Bangladesh. Despite all these initiatives taken by
the government, the foreign direct investment in the country is not satisfactory
. This is caused by poor implementation of the new, liberal investment policies,
slow government decision-making, corruption, labor militancy, a sometimes-uncer
tain law and order situation, poor infrastructure, inadequate commercial laws an
d courts, and policy instability.
Industrial activity is still dominated by inefficient public sector enterprises,
which stifle the potential for greater economic performance. The comparative ad
vantage in cheap labor for manufacturing is partially offset by low productivity
, due to low skills, poor management, and inefficient infrastructure and machine
20. ry. Besides, the reputation for having widespread corruption in business dealing
s discourages foreigners to come to Bangladesh for investment. It is very frustr
ating that a recent report by Transparency International listed Bangladesh as th
e most corrupt nation in the world for the last few years. There is no doubt tha
t foreign direct investment is essential for Bangladesh. But we must not loose s
ight of the downside risk of this mode of investment. The repatriation of the pr
ofit and dividend gained from the investment that is generally done in foreign c
urrency may cause a serious impact on the foreign exchange reserve of the countr
y if it is not significantly increased.
To overcome this situation, we have to increase the foreign exchange reserve. Fo
reign exchange reserve will be increased if there is an increase in export earni
ng and decrease in export expenses. To increase export we can export gas through
pipeline or can use gas for producing electricity or other products that has a
potential international market. We can also supply gas and electricity to our lo
cal market, which has still a high demand. Increased power and gas supply may re
duce huge foreign exchange used to import generators, their parts and
fuel.
IX. RECOMMENDATION
After all this discussion, we can say that only liberal government policy and in
centive packages can’t do much to attract massive foreign direct investment.
The Government should need an overall approach to overcome inefficiency in decis
ion-making, lessen bureaucracy and corruption in government bodies.
The Government should also improve our infrastructure; communication facility, p
ower supply and distribution by opening up these sectors to the private investor
s those considered to be more efficient.
We should also be more patient on our political issues and increase cooperation
to solve important national problems.
X. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Multinational Business Finance by David K. Eiteman, Arthur I. Stinehill, Michael
H. Moffet
Bangladesh Review & Outlook - 2007, HSBC
World Investment Report 2004, Investment Trends In South Asia.
21. http://www.unctad.org (accessed on August 13, 2007)
FDI in Bangladesh 2004, the fourth FDI inflow survey.
http//www.boi.gov.bd/FDI_in_bangladesh_2004.pdf (accessed on August 10, 2007)