The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) hosted a post-budget discussion titled “National Budget FY2026–27: Building Confidence & Competitiveness for Investment-Led Growth” at Sheraton Dhaka on 15 June, bringing together business leaders, policymakers and economists to assess the proposed national budget.
AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal welcomed several business-friendly measures, including VAT exemptions on recycled cotton, zero-percent turnover tax incentives for startups and technology-based businesses, and continued support for renewable energy. However, he stressed the need for further tax rationalization and policy reforms to strengthen investment and long-term economic growth.
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In a keynote presentation, Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, described the FY2026–27 budget as a pragmatic attempt to support economic recovery while laying the foundation for long-term transformation. He noted that achieving the ambitious 6.5% GDP growth target would require overcoming challenges such as low revenue mobilization, persistent inflation, and vulnerabilities in the banking and energy sectors.
During the panel discussion, experts highlighted concerns over weak revenue collection and increased government borrowing, warning that excessive borrowing from banks could reduce private sector access to finance and slow investment and job creation. They also called for improved governance and better targeting of social protection programs to ensure support reaches vulnerable groups effectively.
AmCham reiterated its support for measures promoting sustainability, digitalization, entrepreneurship and renewable energy, while urging continued reforms to strengthen investor confidence, improve competitiveness and accelerate private sector-led growth.
The event was attended by senior government officials, U.S. Embassy representatives, business leaders, economists, former AmCham presidents and members of the chamber.
