About FICCI
Guided by a strong
belief in a better Bangladesh and a more resilient future, the Foreign
Investors’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) remains committed to
advancing policy advocacy that enables inclusive and sustainable private sector
participation.
As a long-standing economic partner of Bangladesh, FICCI actively
champions reforms that improve the investment climate. Our work focuses on
close engagement with the Government, easing cross-border trade and investment,
sharing research-driven market insights, and supporting pragmatic regulations
that benefit our members and the wider business ecosystem.
With a rich legacy, a dynamic present, and a forward-looking agenda,
FICCI continues to strengthen its role as a trusted developmental partner,
growing alongside Bangladesh’s economic journey.
Mission
- Promote and protect the business interests of FICCI members
- Provide informed advice and support to the Government of Bangladesh
and its agencies to advance trade, commerce, and industry, with particular
attention to foreign investors
- Support or oppose legislative and policy measures affecting trade
and industry, as required, in the interest of members
- Encourage fair and equitable principles in commerce and industry
- Strengthen public-private partnerships through effective
collaboration with relevant government agencies
- Facilitate technological transformation to support sustainable
manufacturing and entrepreneurship
- Engage with national and international stakeholders to attract
foreign direct investment into Bangladesh
Our Genesis
FICCI was established on 1 July 1963 in Chittagong as the Agrabad Chamber
of Commerce & Industry. At the time, most foreign enterprises, largely
British, operated from the country’s coastal regions.
Following Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, the need arose to relocate
the Chamber to Dhaka and reflect its expanded national footprint. In June 1987,
the organization adopted its current name, the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of
Commerce & Industry (FICCI), and shifted its operations to the capital.
Scope and Achievements
Building on six decades of service, FICCI has evolved into a respected
institution and a strong voice for sustainable economic growth amid a rapidly
changing business landscape. The Chamber has consistently supported its members
in operating more efficiently through policy advocacy, dialogue, and
simplification of business processes.
FICCI’s contributions to improving Bangladesh’s investment climate have
earned it global recognition. The Chamber was invited by former U.S. Secretary
of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to participate in the Global Business
Conference at the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC, enabling engagement
with global best practices and policy insights.
FICCI is affiliated with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of
Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) as an ‘A’ Class Chamber and is a founding
member of the Bangladesh chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce
(ICC-B). It also liaises with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the
World Trade Organization (WTO), and holds representation across multiple
government advisory and consultative bodies.
FICCI’s Contribution to the Bangladesh
Economy
FICCI represents active participation across more than 21 sectors,
including telecommunications, RMG and textiles, banking and financial services,
power and energy, ICT, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Since its
inception, FICCI has played a meaningful role across the economic value chain.
Key contributions include:
- Digital connectivity through nationwide mobile and internet
services, enabling domestic and global business engagement
- Direct benefits of telecom and internet services to over 100 million
people
- Creation of more than 5 million direct and indirect jobs
- Contribution of approximately 30% of government internal revenues
- Representation of nearly 90% of foreign direct investment in
Bangladesh
- Contribution of around 25% of total DSE market capitalization by
just 14 member companies
- Investment in advanced technologies supporting industrial
transformation
- Major role in national energy security, with FICCI members
undertaking nearly 80% of gas exploration projects over the last decade
- Support for local entrepreneurship through the establishment of
import-substitute industries
- Continuous investment in workforce skill development, reducing
reliance on overseas mid-level management
Sustainable Business Model and Core
Competencies
As a non-profit apex body for foreign investors, FICCI encourages
responsible and sustainable business practices that contribute meaningfully to
society. Member-led initiatives have delivered measurable social impact,
including:
- Distribution of 50,000 sets of professional medical PPE to 12
hospitals and 1,000 ICU-grade PPE
- Clean water, relief, and medical support for over 300,000 people
across 31 districts
- Installation of 102 water filtration plants supplying safe drinking
water to approximately 260,000 people daily
- Deployment of 2,590 solar home systems across 29 villages in
Bandarban, Khagrachari, and Rangamati
- Safe water and sanitation facilities for 10,000 garment workers in
Narayanganj
- Operation of 75 Children Learning Centers serving 3,000
out-of-school children in Jamalpur
- Employment opportunities for more than 4,000 persons with
disabilities in RMG factories