This book identifies and investigates the determinants that influence investment decision-making for conducting foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh’s power sector. This book is organized around six core themes. These are: Bangladesh’s vision to become a middle-income country by 2021 and have universal power for all; an overview of the benefits and costs of FDI from a host nation’s perspective; an outlook of Bangladesh’s power sector starting from the years 1994-2008 through 2011-2015 to 2016-2020 and beyond; the key factors that encourage foreign investors to conduct FDI in the Bangladeshi power sector subsumed under four broad categories of investment prospects namely, regulatory, economic and financial, political and social; the key barriers that deter FDI in the Bangladeshi power sector; and policy implications for long-term investment sustainability in the power sector. The main arguments posited in this book are: regulatory aspects are the most important for firms when conducting FDI in the power sector; land acquisition is a perineal problem that continues to hamper the development of large-scale power projects; there is a need for a transparent and competitive selection process to improve transparency and accountability in private power procurement; and more exploration of onshore and offshore gas fields with the extension of gas transmission networks be enhanced that ensure a regional balance of primary energy supply (gas) for setting up additional gas-based power plants in the country.

During the 1990s, the governments of South Asian countries acted as ‘facilitators’ to attract FDI. As a result, the inflow of FDI increased. However, to become an attractive FDI destination as China, Singapore, or Brazil, South Asia has to improve the local conditions of doing business. This book, based on research that blends theory, empirical evidence, and policy, asks and attempts to answer a few core questions relevant to FDI policy in South Asian countries: Which major reforms have succeeded? What are the factors that influence FDI inflows? What has been the impact of FDI on macroeconomic performance? Which policy priorities/reforms needed to boost FDI are pending? These questions and answers should interest policy makers, academics, and all those interested in FDI in the South Asian region and in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Given its fragile balance of payments position and urgent need to boost industrial production, Pakistan needs to significantly increase its mobilization of foreign resources. It is crucial to accord high priority to foreign direct investment (FDI). Sections of this report include: importance of FDI in Pakistan; review of FDI policy; trends, issues, FDI, and economic impact of FDI; concentrated FDI in the power sector and its balance of payments implications; and conclusions, lessons, and policy challenges. Charts and tables.

Bangladesh is a country located in South Asia, with a population of over 160 million people. The country has a rich history, with ancient kingdoms and empires dating back to 1000 BCE. Modern Bangladesh was born in 1971, when it declared its independence from Pakistan following a bloody war. The country is characterized by its unique geography, with the Ganges Delta dominating its landscape. The delta is a vast network of interconnected rivers, canals, and marshes, and is the largest river delta in the world. Bangladesh is also one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with an average of over 1100 people per square kilometer. Despite being one of the poorest and most populous countries in the world, Bangladesh has made impressive progress in recent years. The country has a rapidly growing economy, fueled by the garment industry, which is worth over 30 billion USD annually. The government has also made significant strides in improving economic and social conditions for its citizens, with investments in education and healthcare, and initiatives to reduce poverty and increase employment. However, Bangladesh continues to face significant challenges, including political instability, corruption, and environmental degradation.

This volume examines foreign investment in developing countries both from a theoretical perspective and country specific perspective. It covers strategies to maximize the benefits that draw from the inward investment flow as well as examining foreign investment as a vehicle for international economic integration. The book focuses on foreign investment in the third and fourth largest economies of the world - the Peoples Republic of China and India - in addition to Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries.