Jaria Hossain Taha

On Wednesday, the central bank issued guidelines allowing domestic firms to invest in foreign countries, a significant step toward capital liberalisation that will boost Bangladesh's export prospects and create jobs abroad. Since 2014, Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of Bangladesh, has allowed local firms to invest nearly $60 million USD in foreign markets. If a company wants to sell or buy a portion of its stock to a foreign company, it must first get permission from the Bangladesh Bank and then hire a broker. Local companies in Bangladesh can now invest overseas up to 20% of their average exports over the previous five years or 25% of their net asset values based on the most recent audited reports, whichever is lower of the two criteria.