Bangladesh Business Key Contacts Guide 2020
This guide covers the essential institutions and organizations that Korean companies must know when pursuing business in Bangladesh — investment agencies (BIDA, BEZA, BEPZA), Korean institutions (Embassy, KOTRA, KOICA), local industry associations, and legal, accounting, and logistics service providers, organized by category. As this reflects 2020 data, please contact KOTRA Dhaka Trade Office for the latest contact details.
Bangladesh is a market where informal networks carry significant weight. Using official institutional channels alongside informal networks such as local industry associations and the Korean Business Association simultaneously is the most effective approach for market entry and business opportunity discovery. In particular, BGMEA (garments), BASIS (IT), and FBCCI (general) are the core channels for reaching local buyers and partners.
Government Investment and Trade Agencies
These are the core government agencies providing one-stop services for foreign investment. BIDA covers general areas, BEZA manages economic zones, and BEPZA oversees export processing zones. Online investment registration is available at all agencies. Since many contacts have changed following the interim government's formation in 2024, it is strongly recommended to verify current contacts through KOTRA before visiting.
| Agency | Full Name | Role | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIDA | Bangladesh Investment Development Authority | Investment registration, support, and incentives | bida.gov.bd | General area investment one-stop service |
| BEZA | Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority | Economic zone management and tenant support | beza.gov.bd | 100 SEZ plan and operations |
| BEPZA | Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority | EPZ tenant and operations management | bepza.gov.bd | 8 EPZs — textiles and garments focus |
| BHTPA | Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority | IT hi-tech park management | bhtpa.gov.bd | SW and IT firm special zone |
| NBR | National Board of Revenue | Customs and tax administration | nbr.gov.bd | Import duties and VAT inquiries |
| DoE | Department of Environment | Environmental permitting | doe.gov.bd | ECC environmental clearance issuance |
Korean Institutions and Networks
These are the Korean government and affiliated institutions present in Bangladesh. KOTRA Dhaka Trade Office provides free market research, buyer matching, and investment consulting. The Korean Business Association is also available for networking. KOICA is a key partner for ODA-linked project development, and Korea Export-Import Bank supports overseas investment financing.
Local Industry Associations
Bangladesh's major industry associations provide sector-specific company information, business matching, and policy updates. Joining or cooperating with the association relevant to a Korean firm's target sector accelerates market entry. In particular, BGMEA (garments) and BASIS (IT) allow buyer discovery through their member databases.
| Association | Abbreviation | Sector | Members | Key Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association | BGMEA | Garments (RMG) | 4,500+ | Export certification, buyer matching, B2B |
| Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association | BKMEA | Knitwear | 2,100+ | Knitwear industry representation, trade support |
| Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services | BASIS | ICT and SW | 2,500+ | IT company network, overseas delegations |
| Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry | FBCCI | General private sector | 360 organizations | Private sector umbrella, policy representation |
| Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry | FICCI | Foreign companies | 200+ | Foreign company interests and policy channels |
| Leather Footwear and Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association | LFMEAB | Leather and footwear | 180+ | Export support and raw material procurement |
Professional Service Providers
Business Contact Utilization Strategy
| Priority | Institution | Services | Cost | First Contact Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | KOTRA Dhaka Trade Office | Free market research, buyer matching, investment consulting | Free | Email or phone appointment |
| #2 | Embassy of Korea in Bangladesh | Consular services and emergency contact | Free | Advance appointment required |
| #3 | BIDA One-Stop Service | Investment registration and incentive consultation | Free (fees separate) | Online at bida.gov.bd |
| #4 | KOICA Bangladesh Office | ODA-linked project partnership | Free (project proposal) | Email advance contact |
| #5 | Local Legal Professional | Investment legal advice and contract review | $150–350/hr | Use KOTRA-recommended firm |