According to Bangladesh Bank data, total investment by Bangladeshis abroad increased last year, but net investment decreased. This is because a large amount of foreign investment was withdrawn last year. For example, Bangladeshis invested $22.2 million in Hong Kong last year. In comparison, $2.8 million was withdrawn from existing investments in the country. As a result, net outward investment by Bangladeshis in the country turned negative at the end of the year.
In 2023, investments worth $43.2 million were withdrawn from various countries. Local investors brought back money in the form of profits, as inter-company loans or through disinvestment.
Meanwhile, as net foreign investment declined, the country's total foreign direct investment amount stood at $384.8 million at the end of last year. This is about 4 percent less than in 2022.