It is both an honor and a responsibility to begin my tenure as President of the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry at a time when Bangladesh's trade and investment landscape is experiencing meaningful transformation. As we step into 2026, there is a renewed sense of optimism-one that is not driven by ambition alone, but by tangible progress we can see and feel.
Few developments illustrate this momentum better than the changes taking place at Chattogram Port. The arrival of mother vessels is already redefining Bangladesh's connection with global markets. For investors, this translates into faster cargo movement, reduced logistics costs, and greater certainty across supply chains, critical elements that directly influence competitiveness and long-term investment decisions.
The continued advancement of the deep seaport project further strengthens this positive outlook. By enabling the handling of larger vessels and increased cargo volumes, it prepares Bangladesh to engage more effectively with global shipping networks. This is not simply an expansion of capacity; it reflects growing confidence that our infrastructure is being built with the future of trade in mind.
Equally encouraging is the Laldia Terminal project, developed through international partnership with Denmark. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors and brings global expertise, modern port management practices, and sustainability standards into our maritime ecosystem. It sends a clear message that Bangladesh values quality investment and long-term partnerships.
Yet infrastructure alone cannot deliver results. The progress we are witnessing is being reinforced by strong policy leadership and active investment facilitation, particularly through the efforts of the Executive Chairman of BIDA. Continued emphasis on regulatory efficiency, coordination among agencies, and meaningful investor engagement will be essential to translating infrastructure development into lasting economic impact.
For FICCI members, modern and efficient ports are more than physical assets, they are strategic enablers that support export growth, strengthen supply chain resilience, and deepen Bangladesh's integration into regional and global value chains.
This issue brings together expert analyses, interviews, and diverse perspectives on the role of modern ports in driving trade and investment, while also highlighting inspiring contributions from FICCI member companies across sectors. I sincerely thank all contributors, sponsors, and the FICCI Secretariat for their dedication in bringing this edition to life.
As FICCI, we remain committed to constructive dialogue and partnership with all stakeholders. With sustained collaboration and clear execution, Bangladesh is steadily emerging as a competitive maritime and trade hub. I look forward to working closely with our members as we move forward together in this promising new chapter.
Warm Regards
Rupali Haque Chowdhury
President, FICCI
FICCI
