On Wednesday, Michael Miller, the EU ambassador to Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of establishing a “clear, consistent, and competitive” trade and investment climate in Bangladesh.
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**Date:** Dhaka, April 9
**Key Point:** The necessity for transparent, stable, and fair trading conditions was highlighted.
Michael Miller, representing the European Union as the ambassador to Bangladesh, stressed during his address on Wednesday the critical nature of fostering an open, reliable, and equitable business atmosphere within the country.
At a panel discussion during the Bangladesh Investment Summit, he emphasized that fostering prosperity, encouraging sustainable development, attracting investment, and tackling climate change are shared objectives between the EU and Bangladesh.
The ambassador stated that the EU aims to promote this via the Global Gateway strategy by endorsing a sustainable economic development model free from carbon emissions. Additionally, they seek to facilitate an equitable shift towards cleaner energy sources, ensuring accessible, safe, and environmentally friendly power for everyone. Under the Team Europe Initiative focused on renewable energy, €1.3 billion has been allocated, with the European Investment Bank prepared to increase its funding in Bangladesh twofold.
As part of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the European Union hosted a themed discussion titled “Harnessing Renewable Energy: Unleashing Bangladesh’s Potential for Renewable Energy Investors.”
The session commenced with Ambassador Miller opening remarks, followed by Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, an advisor from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, who delivered the keynote address.
Other prominent speakers included Jarno Syrjala, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and Mr. Nicolas Weeks, who serves as the Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh.
The renewable energy session gathered investors from Europe, Asia, and various other areas, along with important industry players, local business leaders, representatives from the Bangladeshi government, and specialists in the field to explore the possibilities of renewable energy within Bangladesh.
One of South Asia’s most rapidly developing economies, Bangladesh offers substantial potential for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the renewable energy sector. This growth is fueled by increasing electricity needs due to swift industrialization and urbanization, along with high energy expenses stemming from reliance on imported fossil fuels, according to statements made by the EU Embassy.
DP World explores potential investments alongside CA Prof Yunusov.
Advisor Fouzul emphasized the decline in fossil fuel resources, fluctuations in international energy markets, and concerns over carbon emissions as critical elements pushing Bangladesh towards renewable energy sources. He confirmed the interim administration’s firm dedication to developing an open, competitive, and equitable renewable energy sector that benefits enterprises, residents, and the country at large.
The panel discussion thoroughly examined the critical requirement for investing in renewable energy production within Bangladesh. It covered various aspects including potential openings and hurdles related to the business climate, investment regulations, and oversight frameworks. Additionally, they delved into the methods available for green finance aimed at backing renewable energy initiatives in the country.
The panel consisted of Michael Steidl, who serves as the Regional Head at the European Investment Bank (EIB); Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC); Sarah Negro, Global Head of Public Affairs at H&M; Tanveer Mohammad, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Grameenphone Ltd.; Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, CEO and Chairman of PRAN-RFL Group; Khandker Md. Abdul Hye, Chairman of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA); and Syed O. Faruque, a Partner at COP Frontier O2 ApS.
It was moderated by Mate Heisz, who serves as the Chief Operating Officer at SolarPower Europe.
Following the panel discussion, a B2B matchmaking event linked local and global investors, enabling them to network with governmental bodies and financial organizations. This initiative also promoted collaborations aimed at driving fresh investments into renewable energy and various other industries.
The event highlighted various renewable energy initiatives in Bangladesh, which involved collaboration with Team Europe (comprising the EU, European Union financial institutions, Norway, and Switzerland), along with contributions from Lafarge Geocycle, ABB, SolShare, the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), and Omera Solar.
During the session, two MOUs were signed: one between H&M and Pran Group regarding a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), and another between SolarPower Europe and BSREA focusing on collaboration in renewable energy initiatives.
The day ended with a reception organized by EuroCham Bangladesh.
The renewable energy session was organized in conjunction with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Union Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham) in Bangladesh.