BIDA unveils heatmap, targeting agro, pharma, renewable energy

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has launched a data-driven heatmap to strategically attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in 19 priority sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. These sectors were chosen for their high market readiness, rapid growth potential, and competitive advantages.

BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury highlighted the heatmap as a foundational tool for investor engagement. “This is more than just a plan; it’s the blueprint for all our future touchpoints with investors—from roadshows to bilateral treaties and policy support,” he said during the launch.

Despite Bangladesh's robust economic fundamentals, FDI currently contributes only 0.5% of GDP, significantly below the global average of 3-4%. The heatmap aims to bridge this gap by prioritizing key sectors, identifying potential investor markets, and aligning strategies with national development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

Sector categories in the heatmap

The 19 sectors are divided into four categories based on market readiness, resource availability, and strategic alignment:

Category A (Immediate Targets): Core Apparel, Pharmaceuticals (excluding APIs), Agro Processing, IT-Enabled Services, Advanced Textiles, Renewable Energy.

Category B (Enable Quick Entry): Automotive Parts, Footwear, Light Engineering, Leather.

Category C (Customized Deals): Logistics, Electronics, and Assembly.

Category D (Policy & Capacity Development): EV Batteries, Medical Devices, Technical Textiles, Toys, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Semiconductors, Plastics.

Development and implementation

The heatmap was developed with contributions from key industry stakeholders, including Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC, PwC, EY, BCG, and other local and international partners. To operationalize the framework, BIDA plans to organize international investment roadshows and establish a public-private advisory council to facilitate strategic engagement.

The initiative will undergo annual reviews to maintain its relevance and adaptability to the changing global market dynamics.

Through this targeted and collaborative approach, BIDA aims to significantly boost FDI inflows, contributing to Bangladesh's long-term economic growth and development.