AmCham Sets $5 Billion Goal as US Trade Show Returns to Dhaka
Bangladesh is preparing to attract a fresh wave of American investment as the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) works toward bringing an additional $5 billion in US capital into the country over the next four and a half to five years. The upcoming 30th US Trade Show in Dhaka is expected to support this ambition by connecting American businesses with local companies, policymakers and potential investment partners.
AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal shared the plan at a press conference in Dhaka on November 2, 2026. He explained that the exhibition could help move the country closer to its investment goal, although the entire amount is not guaranteed to materialise.
The announcement comes at a significant time for Bangladesh, as the country seeks to expand its industrial capacity, strengthen energy infrastructure and attract foreign companies with advanced technology and international experience.
AmCham Seeks to Attract Another $5 Billion from US Businesses
According to AmCham, Bangladesh received approximately $5 billion in investment from the United States over the past 15 years. The chamber is now working with the government to attract a similar amount over the next four and a half to five years.
Kamal said the organisation had discussed the possibility with the government, including during a meeting with the Prime Minister on August 11. The investment ambition reflects an effort to deepen commercial relations and encourage more American companies to consider Bangladesh as a destination for business expansion.
However, the target should be viewed as an objective rather than a confirmed investment commitment. The actual amount will depend on investor confidence, business conditions, infrastructure readiness and the successful implementation of policies that support long-term investment.
30th US Trade Show to Bring American Companies to Dhaka
The 30th US Trade Show is scheduled to take place from November 5 to 7, 2026, in Dhaka. Organisers expect the event to create opportunities for business networking, commercial discussions and investment promotion.
A total of 36 companies and seven startups are expected to participate through 63 exhibition booths. Representatives from American chambers of commerce in other countries will also attend, while investors from several companies that have not yet started operations in Bangladesh are expected to explore the local market.
AmCham considers attracting 10 to 12 new companies to invest in Bangladesh as one of the major potential achievements of the event.
The exhibition will remain open to visitors from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm each day, giving business representatives and visitors an opportunity to explore products, services and potential partnerships.
Major US Companies Expected to Participate
The exhibition will feature several well-known American companies and international brands operating across different industries. Companies participating in or represented at the event include:
- Caterpillar
- Chevron
- ExxonMobil
- MetLife
- Citigroup
- Mastercard
- Visa
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Philip Morris International
- PepsiCo
- Costco
- PPG
- UPS
- Cargill
Their participation could create opportunities for discussions involving manufacturing, energy, financial services, consumer products, logistics and supply chain development.
For Bangladesh, engagement with established international companies could help local businesses explore new technologies, improve operational standards and develop stronger connections with global markets.
Energy Security Remains a Major Investment Challenge
Despite the country’s potential, energy security remains one of the most important factors influencing foreign investment decisions.
Reliable electricity and fuel supplies are essential for companies operating in manufacturing, technology, logistics and other energy-intensive industries. Uncertainty over energy availability and long-term costs can affect production planning, operating expenses and investment decisions.
AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal said the chamber was working with the government on this issue and expected to receive an energy roadmap soon.
A dedicated seminar on the energy sector will also be organised during the trade show. The discussions are expected to bring together industry experts and government representatives to examine the challenges and possible solutions.
A clear and practical energy strategy could help improve investor confidence by providing businesses with greater visibility over future infrastructure development and energy availability.
Technology and High-Value Industries Are Key Priorities
AmCham is focusing on industries where American technology and innovation can contribute to greater value addition in Bangladesh. Rather than seeking investment across every sector, the chamber wants to prioritise areas where international expertise can support industrial development.
The exhibition will include dedicated zones covering several important industries.
Power and Energy
Energy infrastructure is essential for industrial expansion. Cooperation with American companies could support the development of power-related services, energy technology and infrastructure solutions.
Information Technology and the Digital Economy
Digital services, software, financial technology and technology-enabled business operations offer opportunities for innovation and productivity improvements. Greater collaboration could also support skills development and digital transformation.
Banking and Financial Services
International financial institutions and payment companies could help strengthen financial services, improve payment systems and support the development of modern business solutions.
Manufacturing and Logistics
Advanced manufacturing and efficient logistics networks are important for improving competitiveness. Investment in these areas could help businesses strengthen supply chains, improve productivity and connect more effectively with international markets.
Healthcare and Agribusiness
Healthcare technology, medical equipment and agricultural innovation could create opportunities to improve service quality, production efficiency and access to modern solutions.
Seven Startups to Highlight Emerging Business Opportunities
The participation of seven startups adds another dimension to the exhibition. Startups can introduce innovative products, digital services and new business models that may attract the attention of established companies and potential investors.
For Bangladesh, stronger connections between startups and international businesses could support knowledge sharing, technology partnerships and access to wider markets.
The startup zone is also expected to provide a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to present their ideas and explore commercial opportunities.
Six Seminars to Focus on Investment and Trade
Alongside the exhibition, organisers will arrange six thematic seminars addressing important areas of economic cooperation.
The sessions will cover:
- Power and energy
- Healthcare and medical technology
- Information technology and the digital economy
- Women in leadership
- Investment opportunities in the United States through SelectUSA
- Bangladesh-US trade relations
Industry experts and government representatives are expected to participate in the discussions. These sessions could help businesses better understand investment opportunities, sector-specific challenges and potential areas for cooperation.
The seminar on SelectUSA will also provide information about investment opportunities for Bangladeshi businesses interested in expanding into the American market.
What More US Investment Could Mean for Bangladesh
If the investment ambition translates into actual business commitments, it could create several economic benefits for Bangladesh.
Employment opportunities: New factories, technology operations and service businesses could generate jobs for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Technology transfer: Cooperation with American companies could introduce modern production methods, digital systems and technical expertise.
Industrial development: Investment in manufacturing, logistics and energy could strengthen domestic industries and support higher-value production.
Export opportunities: Businesses with stronger technology and international partnerships may become better positioned to serve overseas markets.
Startup growth: Greater engagement with international investors could help emerging companies explore funding, partnerships and business expansion.
However, these benefits will depend on the quality of investment, the sectors receiving capital and the extent to which local businesses and workers participate in the process.
Why the US Trade Show Matters for Bangladesh-US Relations
The US Trade Show was initiated by AmCham in Bangladesh in 1992. After remaining suspended for several years, the event is returning following a gap of approximately two and a half years.
This year’s exhibition also coincides with the organisation’s 30th anniversary, making it an important occasion for strengthening business connections.
The participation of companies, startups, international chamber representatives and government officials could help create new commercial relationships. More importantly, direct discussions may allow potential investors to understand the country’s business environment and identify practical opportunities.
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Key Challenges That Could Influence Future Investment
Attracting foreign capital requires more than organising exhibitions and business meetings. Investors typically evaluate the long-term operating environment before committing significant resources.
For Bangladesh, energy security is a major concern identified by AmCham. Other practical considerations include infrastructure capacity, regulatory clarity, customs procedures, access to finance and the consistency of government policies.
Businesses also need confidence that investment rules will remain predictable and that operational challenges can be addressed efficiently.
Addressing these issues could help turn initial investor interest into actual projects and long-term business operations.
What Comes Next?
The upcoming exhibition will provide an opportunity for American businesses and Bangladeshi stakeholders to discuss investment possibilities across multiple industries. The presence of companies that have not yet established operations in the country could be particularly important.
AmCham’s expectation of attracting 10 to 12 new companies reflects the chamber’s interest in converting business discussions into concrete investment opportunities.
The government’s response to energy and infrastructure concerns will also be important in determining whether potential investors move forward with their plans.
Final Outlook
Bangladesh’s effort to attract more American investment represents an opportunity to strengthen international business relations and support long-term economic development. The 30th US Trade Show could help create new connections between investors, local businesses and policymakers.
Nevertheless, the proposed investment amount remains a target, not a confirmed commitment. Reliable energy supplies, a predictable business environment and effective cooperation between the public and private sectors will be essential to achieving meaningful progress.
The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on whether discussions at the exhibition lead to new companies, sustainable projects, technology partnerships and employment opportunities in Bangladesh.
